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HUMANS OF CANADIAN GOLF

Humans of Canadian Golf is a heartfelt content series spotlighting the diverse and passionate individuals who shape the fabric of golf across the country. From elite athletes and local club professionals to volunteers, superintendents, parents and fans, the intention of the program is to celebrate the personal journeys, challenges and triumphs of those who live and love the game in their own unique ways. Each story not only reveals their connection to golf, but also their motivations, struggles and dreams.

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Todd Keirstead

June’s feature highlights Todd Keirstead — a golf entertainer and swing specialist who has worked with players ranging from beginners to high-profile tour professionals. Beyond coaching, Todd is a skin cancer survivor and a passionate advocate for Skin Cancer Awareness within the golfing community.

“Golf has been one of life’s greatest teachers, instilling in me a profound understanding of perseverance and the importance of adaptability. Whether it’s a tough lie on the course or a setback in life, it’s not the obstacles that define you, it’s how you respond to them.”

-Todd Keirstead.

  • What role has golf played in your life, and how has it shaped who you are today?

    Golf has been at the heart of my life since I was a child, a passion I inherited from my father. It brought us together, teaching me discipline, creativity, and resilience. Over the years, golf became more than a sport, it became a platform for me to inspire others, whether through traveling the world helping raise millions of dollars for various charities through instructional entertainment, or my work with adaptive golf, the game has shaped me into someone who values inclusion, perseverance, and the joy of bringing people together, regardless of their abilities.

  • Can you share a memorable moment on the course that still makes you smile (or cry)?

    One of the most powerful moments in my career was witnessing Ryan Straschnitzki, a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, who is paralyzed from the chest down, playing golf for the first time after the accident. After working with him for about ten minutes, Ryan was not only connecting with the ball but doing so with determination and a smile that said everything. Watching him experience that sense of control, joy, and accomplishment was profoundly moving. It wasn’t just about hitting a golf ball, it was about resilience, confidence, and reclaiming a piece of himself. Moments like that are exactly why I’m so passionate about what I do. Golf, at its best, is a powerful tool for healing, hope, and human connection.

  • What’s one lesson golf has taught you that you carry into everyday life?

    Golf has been one of life’s greatest teachers, instilling in me a profound understanding of perseverance and the importance of adaptability. Whether it’s a tough lie on the course or a setback in life, it’s not the obstacles that define you, it’s how you respond to them. You learn to pause, assess, adjust your stance, and take your next swing with conviction. That mindset has served me well far beyond the fairways. My personal journey, from surviving a near-death experience to confronting and overcoming aggressive, invasive skin cancer, it has put that lesson to the ultimate test.

  • What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the golf community in Canada?

    I wish more people realized how much the Canadian golf community values giving back and lifting each other up. It’s not just about competition, it is about supporting local charities, organizing inclusive events, and creating opportunities for everyone, including adaptive golfers, to participate and shine. Whether it’s rallying around a cause, welcoming newcomers, or celebrating each other’s achievements, the spirit of generosity and encouragement runs deep. That sense of unity and purpose is what makes the Canadian golf community truly remarkable.

  • Why would you recommend either getting into (playing) or working in the golf industry?

    Golf has an extraordinary power to change lives, and I’ve been fortunate to witness that transformation time and time again, both in others and in myself. Being part of this industry has opened doors I never could have imagined. It has allowed me to connect deeply with people from all walks of life, travel to incredible destinations across the globe, and use the game as a platform to inspire, entertain, and uplift. Be it teaching a beginner to hit their first solid shot, performing trick shots that ignite joy and laughter, or helping someone rediscover their confidence and love for the game after hardship, every moment on the course has the potential to make a meaningful impact. Golf isn’t just a profession for me, it’s a calling, a community, and a way to give back. It has shaped who I am, and I genuinely can’t imagine a more rewarding path.

     

Past Features

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    The Ontario Boys

    In May, we feature the infamous Ontario Boys – a group of three Guelph University varsity golfers whose quest from southern Ontario to the Players Championship captured the attention of the golf world. From being interviewed at a TGL Playoff Match, to eventually scoring an invite to The Masters, the Boys have had quite the spring.

    “Corey Conners grew up an hour from Guelph University, where we go to school, so I’ve always looked up to him as a role model. When he invited us to attend the Masters, I was in shock. We followed him around the Tuesday practice round, and on hole #12, he invited us over to take a picture with Mike Weir, Taylor Pendrith, and Nick Taylor. I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the day.”

    – The Ontario Boys

    What role has golf played in your life, and how has it shaped who you are today?

    Caleb: Golf has been a constant in my life and has helped to shape the person I am today. It’s taught me many life lessons, including discipline, patience, and how to stay composed under pressure. The countless hours I’ve spent on the range have also given me a strong work ethic that I know I can translate to later in life. I believe the most important thing golf has given me is a sense of community. From teammates to mentors, some of the most influential people in my life I have met from golf.

    Beck: Golf has played a huge role in my life, I started when I was around 10 years old and fell in love with it ever since, I know teach golf for youth and adult golfers trying to help there game just like others helped mine!!

    Liam: Golf has played a significant role in my life, shaping me both personally and professionally. It’s been a major passion of mine for as long as I can remember I’ve had the privilege of playing university golf for the University of Guelph, which has been an incredible experience. I have also taught golf during my summers which has allowed me to develop a lot of great skills. Golf has also provided some amazing moments of fun with friends and family, influencing who I am today in numerous positive ways.

    Can you share a memorable moment on the course that still makes you smile (or cry)?

    Caleb: Corey Conners grew up an hour from Guelph University, where I go to school, so I’ve always looked up to him as a role model. When he invited us to attend the Masters, I was in shock. We followed him around the Tuesday practice round, and on hole 12, he invited us over to take a picture with Mike Weir, Taylor Pendrith, and Nick Taylor. I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the day.

    Beck: When I holed out on #18 to make the U19 Ontario Championship.

    Liam: A memorable moment for me would be when my brother got an albatross. It was me, my brother and my dad all playing together which is what made it so special. The pure excitement we shared will be a memory for a life time.

    What’s one lesson golf has taught you that you carry into everyday life?

    Caleb: The main lesson that golf has taught me is patience. As much as you want to play perfectly, that will never happen. Whether you miss a short putt or get an unlucky bounce how you recover from that can be taken into everyday life.

    Beck: Golf has taught me that although there are many negatives the positives are what push you forward to make you better. Never give up and keep grinding!!

    Liam: To be resilient. Golf is a very challenging sport and is constantly testing you mentally. I feel like golf really matured me at a young age and taught me to never give up. There will be times of where you are down on yourself both on and off the golf course, but staying positive through those moments will lead to success.

    If you could describe golf in Canada in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

    Caleb: “Addicting” the short season in Canada just makes you appreciate it that much more.

    Beck: Inspirational.

    Liam: Pure excitement. Golf is such a special and unique game. What’s unique about golf in Canada, is that you can only really play 6 months a year. Only getting to play for half the year really allows for me to appreciate the time I spend on the course, and in the winter I am excited for the upcoming golf season.

    What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the golf community in Canada?

    Caleb: Canadians take a lot of pride in how well our golfers do on the big stage, and we love celebrating their wins.

    Beck: How supportive everybody in the Golf Canada community is, they only want the best for all there golfers!!

    Liam: The passion and love for the game that we all share. It is really such a special community to be a part of.

    Why would you recommend either getting into (playing) or working in the golf industry?

    Caleb: Golf teaches you lessons that you use for the rest of your life. Once you start, the chase of constant growth is addicting and instills a strong work ethic.

    Beck: If you are a golf lover, golf Canada is the place to be. They offer many events where you can showcase your talent and if you’re not into the tournament atmosphere then working for them is also a great experience in itself!!

    Liam: I would recommend it because the golf community is so special. Once you fall in love with golf you are in it for life. It is so fun to be around people who share the same love for the game as you do.

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    Shelly Stouffer

    In April, we featured Shelly Stouffer from Nanoose Bay, B.C. Shelly is a highly decorated Canadian amateur golfer who, among other distinctions, captured the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur titles.

    “The golf community is vast, and I have been fortunate to have played golf from coast to coast.  The people I have met through golf are very friendly and have opened their homes to me when I have travelled to their area.”

    -Shelly Stouffer

    What role has golf played in your life, and how has it shaped who you are today?

    Golf has allowed me to keep playing sports competitively and allowed me to travel the world. Through golf I have met and played with some legends of the game. I have also been fortunate to work as a kinesiologist and offer golf fitness classes that has been helping my clients play better golf and the ability to play golf longer as they age.

    If you could describe golf in Canada in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

    Golf in Canada is accessible, there are many different types of courses around where I live from private clubs to par 3 and executive courses that cater to all type of abilities.

    What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the golf community in Canada?

    Generally golfers are always looking to help each other out.  The golf community is vast, and I have been fortunate to have played golf from coast to coast.  The people I have met through golf are very friendly and have opened their homes to me when I have travelled to their area.  I have to add that I have had some of the same experiences travelling throughout the US when I was playing on the Future’s tour as well.

    Why would you recommend either getting into (playing) or working in the golf industry?

    You can see the world and play some amazing golf courses and meet amazing people that can turn into your best friends. It is a fantastic sport!

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    Kurtis Barkley

    In March, we featured Chesterville, Ontario’s Kurtis Barkley. Kurtis is a professional all abilities player, currently on the G4D Tour as part of the DP World Tour’s competitive schedule and is Canada’s top-ranked all abilities golfer.

    Playing golf for over 30 years i have a few memories…the first time Mom meeting Rory (McIlroy) in Dubai , having the crowd yelling my name in Australia. I have many moments—I love growing the game.

    – Kurtis Barkeley – G4D Tour (DP World Tour)

    What role has golf played in your life, and how has it shaped who you are today?

    Golf has always been apart my life, as a young boy my father knew i was going to be able to play physical compact sports. Golf can teach you many things:

      • Work put in is work put out

      • Great shots ending up in bad spots, and bad shots getting better then expected results

      • Work ethic

      • Being on time

      • Following the rules and being a great sportsman along the way

    Can you share a memorable moment on the course that still makes you smile (or cry)?

    Playing golf for over 30 years i have a few: Playing in Australia in 2019 when Disability Golf wasn’t as big as it is now, winning the Ottawa Valley Golf Association’s city and district (titles) while my Dad watched on the sidelines—the 1st time Mom meeting Rory (McIlroy) in Dubai, having the crowd yelling my name in Australia. I have many moments i love growing the game.

    What’s one lesson golf has taught you that you carry into everyday life?

    Each day brings opportunities, its up to you what you do with them. Live for today tomorrow is never promised enjoy the moment as thats all we really have.

    If you could describe golf in Canada in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

    Short and sweet – golf season isn’t the longest in Canada but its sweet when its here!

    What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the golf community in Canada?

    From my experience, no we dont play golf in the snow, lol.

    Why would you recommend either getting into (playing) or working in the golf industry?

    Golf is kinda a way of life , either playing in competition or just for social its great way to get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful world , working in and around the golf industry is it really (work) when you get to enjoy it this much!