Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/165357
iG1308--proof2 8/27/13 2:08 PM Page 1 IN PROFILE BY ALFIE LAU Greg Machtaler: A Pro's Pro And Summerland's Favourite Son adding up and Machtaler had to find a way to pay them off. "My timing wasn't great. I was going to school in the States when the dollar was worth 65 cents. I came back to Summerland and it was right in the middle of a huge downturn in the economy," said Machtaler. "I was so lucky to have a guy like Tye take a chance on me and we've become great friends through this." "Our community and our golf course "That's what makes Greg special. He can catch fire and then he plays a game that will allow him to compete anywhere." TYE BABKIRK GREG MACHTALER WINS IN CHILLIWACK because I finally understand my game and I've been able to balance work and golf," said the Summerland native who grew up within a booming drive of the course. "I played my college golf at Brigham Young alongside Danny Summerhays. I know that when my game is on, I can compete with anybody." As a Canadian playing US college golf, the odds are always stacked against a Canadian and Machtaler did his best during his years in Utah. He played the Canadian Tour, but the bills started is proud to support Greg because he's a very strong player and he's a very strong employee and co-worker," said Babkirk. "He has a passion for the game and a passion for the Summerland Golf Club. He's definitely one of our team leaders and one of the guys I rely on the most. We're good friends off the course too and he gave me one of my thrills earlier this year when we won the ProAssistants' title (at Gallagher's Canyon)." Machtaler takes pride in all aspects TYE BABKIRK AND GREG MACHTALER WIN AT GALLAGHER'S CANYON IMAGES CREDIT / COURTESY PGA OF BC By day, 29-year-old Greg Machtaler is putting in 50-hour weeks working in the pro shop at the Summerland Golf & Country Club. By night and whenever he has time off, Machtaler is working on the silky smooth golf game which won him the 2013 Canada Cup, the PGA of BC Assistants' in June and the PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship in July alongside his boss, Tyrel Babkirk. "It's great to win and I think that's of his golf career. He's as happy doing club repairs as he is drilling 300-yard drives during practice rounds at Summerland. "Sometimes, you're a bit stiff after a day that starts at 5 a.m. in the shop," said Machtaler during an afternoon round with two Summerland members where he would shoot an easy 68 which included four bogeys. "But working in the golf industry is something I want and I'm building that side of my career as I'm trying to work on my own game." Machtaler's easy-going demeanour belies his competitive drive. 48 hours after his bogey-filled practice round, he would lead his relatively green junior team to a mid-pack finish in the PGA of BC Pro-Junior tournament. And did we mention that Machtaler, after scuffing it around with only one birdie for his first 11 holes, finished eight-under for his last seven holes, including a memorable double eagle on the 18th, which featured a holeout from 237 yards with a hybrid. Several weeks later, Machtaler would shoot 63-63 on the last weekend of the Canada Cup to win in a romp over Dave Zibrik, who led for the first three rounds. "That's what makes Greg special," said Babkirk. "He can catch fire and then he plays a game that will allow him to compete anywhere." And as good as Machtaler's game is, he enjoys interacting and working with the Summerland members who have supported him. "If I can get out and play with the members, I do it as much as I can," said Machtaler. "I can learn from how they approach the game and I have a great time out there." As for his golf future, Machtaler will try to play as many events as his Summerland golf schedule will allow him. "I tell Greg that he should be going down south in the winter to work on his game," said Babkirk. "Go down to California or Arizona and play against the guys who are playing year-round. Learn to win, compete and score against that calibre of golfer and you'll earn that confidence which will let you move ahead in your golf career." Machtaler takes the advice in stride: "I can't complain about my life. I'm trying to find that balance between being a PGA (of BC) member and being a pro golfer. I'm happy with how it's going on both fronts and I'm looking forward to everything that's ahead of me." 2013 PGA OF BC IN REVIEW K