This teacher has some serious game

One way or another, Victor Ciesielski is sure to be at next month’s Canadian Open

Victor Ciesielski will try to get into next month’s RBC Canadian Open as a player but, if that doesn’t happen, he’ll be there with a coach’s pass around his neck.

Cambridge golfer Brendan Leonard extended the coaching invitation Thursday after winning a qualifying tournament at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley to earn a spot in Canada’s lone stop on the PGA Tour.

Ciesielski’s name came up in our post-victory conversation and Leonard had nothing but good things to say about Ciesielski the player, Ciesielski the coach and Ciesielski the person.

“He’s a great player, he’s a really good friend of mine, and has known me since I was a kid, so every time I have swing issues, he’s helped me out. So I owe him, I owe him quite a bit,” said the 30-year-old Leonard.

“I know he’s got a million lessons on the go, and he might be playing himself, but I would love for him to take my coaching pass because he’s always been the guy that I lean on if I need any help.”

Ciesielski’s preferred option would be to make his way around St. George’s Golf and Country Club as a player, something he will attempt to do June 6 at a Canadian Open Monday qualifying event at Oakdale Golf and Country Club.

The personable Cambridge native, a 37-year-old teaching professional at the Galt Country Club, earned his spot at the Oakdale event by finishing in a tie for fourth this week at TPC Toronto.

Kitchener’s Keaton Jones will also participate in the Canadian Open qualifier.

“I’m super-pumped for Lenny (Leonard), and I’m hoping to be able to play practice rounds with him (at the Canadian Open),” said Ciesielski.

“And, if I don’t get in, I’m excited to be able to support him and be there for whatever he needs from me that week.”

A minimum of four players will advance to the June 9 to 12 Canadian Open from the Monday qualifier and Leonard said he wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see Ciesielski make it through as he did in 2012, when he played in the championship for a third time at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Ciesielski also played at the 2006 event, recording a hole-in-one and making the cut in Hamilton, and in 2007 at Angus Glen in Markham.

“I like his chances,” said Leonard. “He’s been playing some really good golf.”

Indeed, he has. Ciesielski finished sixth at the opening event on the Toronto Players Tour and led the Great Lakes Tour order of merit after two tournaments, thanks to a win at the first event and a T4 finish in his second outing. He also finished in second place at the first Ontario PGA tournament of the season and plans to play all events on that circuit, along with a few others.

Not too shabby for a guy who squeezes in practice sessions before and after teaching others at VC Golf Academy.

Ciesielski transitioned from touring to teaching six years ago and has managed to strike a balance that keeps him busy on the practice range while allowing him to compete on his days off.

Instruction, he said, has made him a better golfer.

“I’ve learned a lot through teaching ... so, when my game goes a little sideways, I can pull in the reins and figure out what’s wrong a little bit quicker,” said Ciesielski.

“I just think I’m a better coach by continuing to play, and I’m a better player by continuing to coach.”

Ciesielski gains a huge amount of satisfaction from watching his students improve, he said, whether they are new to the game or players such as Leonard or PGA Tour of Canada newcomer Austin Ryan, a Kitchener native who checks in when he needs assistance.

“Whether it’s watching people improve and get better or getting messages for social media stuff (golf tips) that I’ve posted, there’s a ton of enjoyment in giving back and helping others,” he said.

“I fought it at first when people started suggesting I get into teaching, but I’m fully immersed now and I’m happy with the way things turned out.”

Ciesielski also gets a charge from seeing the looks on the faces of his younger students when he tells them about his former life as a touring pro and three-time Canadian Open participant.

“It’s fun when they start figuring things out, and they’re like ‘Oooh, coach is pretty good,’ ” he said.

Yes, he is.

I’ve learned a lot through teaching ... so, when my game goes a little sideways, I can pull in the reins and figure out what’s wrong a little bit quicker. VICTOR CIESIELSKI GOLF TEACHER