Lindsey Kotylak, a PGA professional from Edmonton, grew up immersed in sports—hockey, golf, badminton, squash, soccer, and track—developing coordination, adaptability, and a strong competitive spirit. Winters were spent on the ice, while summers revolved around golf at the Derrick Club, where he gained independence and confidence playing with both peers and adults. Supportive parents encouraged him without pressure, while his brother and older teammates pushed his growth. Informal mentorship from coaches and assistant pros, along with creative motivators like his badminton coach, nurtured his skills and taught him to value fun and learning over win-at-all-costs coaching.

His passion for golf, fueled by countless hours at the Derrick, eventually led him to pursue it professionally. After working at Safeway and studying science, he joined the ...