About Us

Key Personnel - Golf

Michael Mather - General Manager of University Golf ClubMichael Mather - General Manager

Michael has been the University Golf Club's General Manager since 1997.  Prior to that he was the Head Golf Professional for three years. Before UGC he spent 14 years at the Capilano Golf & Country Club where he became a golf pro in 1987.   

To date Michael has had 5 hole in ones but who's counting!  He is the only member of his family not born in BC.  He was born in Ontario but we won't hold that against him, he's definitely not a Leafs fan.  He loves to travel and is a newly wed.  He and his wife Jacquie were married at the Club in the summer of 2009!

Words to live by - "Life isn't a dress rehearsal...and it goes by quickly."

 

Scott Cranston - Head Golf Professional at University Golf ClubScott Cranston - Head Golf Professional

Scott is a locally grown BC boy through and through and he is our Head Golf Professional. Born in Tsawwassen, he spent his junior golf days at the Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club. In 1988 he worked at Beach Grove where he became a golf professional in 1992 at the young age of 19! He then went on to become the assistant golf pro until 1996.

In 1996 he finally came to UGC and has had many roles - shift supervisor, inventory receiver, golf shop manager and Head Golf Professional.  

In his Taylor Made/Adidas sponsored golf bag is currently a...

  • 9.5 Super Tri Driver with Motore F1 75 stiff shaft
  • Burner 3 wood
  • #4 Rescue 19deg
  • 4-pw R9 TP irons with KBS stiff steel shafts
  • 52, 56, 60 degree TP XFT wedges
  • Kia Mia Daytona putter
  • Penta golf ball (new 5  piece ball)

Interesting fact:  In his spare time, Scott is a member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxilliary as a coxswain for Unit 10 Richmond (Volunteer).  He's been in the wild waters off Bamfield training in extreme weather and sea conditions as a Rigid Hull Inflatable Operator.  Good on him!

 

Phil Bunting - Golf Course Superintendent of University Golf ClubPhil Bunting - Golf Course Superintendent

Phil Bunting comes from a family that has a rich history in golf. Born in Derby England, Phil was destined to have a career in the golf course business; it was in his blood. His own Father, Uncle and Grandfather were golf Course Superintendents.  Phil learned at an early age, the importance of his grandfather's legacy, which ultimately instilled in Phil a love of the golf industry.  Phil’s family immigrated to Canada for his father to assume a role as Superintendent at the highly acclaimed Royal Colwood in Victoria, BC.  The seed of a career in the golf course management had been planted in Phil’s mind while he worked summers on this course along side his Father.

 
Phil’s experience spans over 33 seasons, serving for the past two years as the Golf Course Superintendent at University Golf Club.  During Phil’s twenty five year tenure at UGC, he has implemented an "Attention to Detail" maintenance program that has enhanced both the quality and playability of the course.  Committed to supporting the profession, he has been an active member of the CGSA, GCSAA, BCGSA and the Western Canada Turfgrass Association. Phil, his wife and their two young sons live in the quaint fishing community of Steveston, BC.   

 

Dave Whitaker- Event Coordinator (Tournament & Golf Events)

Born and raised a short walk from the golf course, Dave is as local as it gets. He’s been working at the club for four years in a number of different capacities: in banquets, the Westward Ho! Public House and Grill Room, and as a food and beverage Duty Manager. A Hospitality Management grad, Dave is just getting started in an industry he plans to make a career out of.

When he’s not at the golf club, there is a good chance you’ll find Dave playing, coaching, or watching soccer. He has been involved in the sport since the age of 4 and has coached teams across the Lower Mainland.