Glenn Cundari takes pride in making an impact on people through sport, and he has used coaching and coach education as a vehicle to do so.
As past President, and current Technical Director of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Canada, as well as a National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Master Learning Facilitator, Cundari’s work with the NCCP has led him to speak about golf instructor and coach development around the world. He is a member of the PGA World Alliance Education Committee, and does development work bringing golf to other nations with the Royal and Ancient World Golf Development Committee.
At home, he is also a valuable asset in golf development as the technical lead on initiatives including Long Term Player Development for Golf in Canada, Canada’s national junior program, Special Olympics golf coach training and the National Golf in Schools Program.
Cundari capably juggles all of his positions and responsibilities at home and abroad driven by passion and determination he has been developing since he was just a boy. “My grandfather was a huge personal role model for me,” Cundari explains. “Learning work ethic and accountability, all while having lots of fun, are traits I try and deliver on every day.”
Cundari’s work ethic and drive were recognized and celebrated in 2006 as he won the PGA of Canada’s Junior Leader of the Year award in 2006, and the National Post named him one of the top 50 golf instructors in Canada.
“Victorious teams, winning athletes, and receiving awards can be great fun, but to be honest, it’s fleeting,” Cundari said of his achievements. “The awards don’t compare to the satisfaction and difference I hope I’m making today in supporting Special Olympic coaches and their athletes, helping [Learning Facilitators] become as great as they can be, and leaving the PGA in a better state than when I arrived here.”
While Cundari doesn’t spend his time coaching athletes anymore, his role in coaching coaches, and refining golf instructor and coach development throughout the country is invaluable to the development of Canadian golfers, and directly impacts the children golfing today, and in the future.
Cundari has strong opinions about the importance of coach education, and the role of the PGA in implementing it properly: “I believe the role of a professional organization is to provide a very solid foundation which an instructor or coach can then build upon,” Cundari asserts.
“I think we need to continue to challenge coaches to create magical learning environments for athletes then get out of the way. This isn’t easy but when it happens it’s awesome.”
