WASAGAMING — Two years ago, Chris Knoop thought his profession and passion could seamlessly combine. He’s never been more correct.
The Moose Jaw, Sask., native, who works as the wellness instructor for Saskatchewan Polytechnic, plays golf as a serious hobby.
He’s damn good, too. The 36-year-old has been a regular in the Tamarack golf tournament men’s championship flight since reaching the semifinals of the 89-year-old event in 2015. Knoop cranked Landon Trotter 6 and 5 to kick off the round of 16 on Tuesday, overpowering Clear Lake Golf Course, and draining a bundle of birdies.
Chris Knoop beat Landon Trotter 6 and 5 in the Tamarack golf tournament men’s round of 16 at Clear Lake Golf Course on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)
Knoop incorporated golf-specific exercises into his workouts and realized he could help others do the same. He started his certification with the Titleist Performance Institute in 2020 and works with juniors, “weekend warriors,” and aspiring and current professionals as a side business and absolutely loves it.
“Being at school, running fitness classes and intramurals, it’s all fine and well,” Knoop said. “But the passion for golf has fueled all of this side of things and it’s been so much fun getting to meet all these people and hang out with them.”
Knoop flew to Toronto for the first TPI training level and did the second online. He plans to travel to Oceanside, Calif., for the third and final one next May. The program focuses on rotational-based exercises and ways to help golfers make more efficient, powerful swings.
“I run an adult class in the winter (for) a bunch of weekend warriors … that need to learn how to be more efficient with their golf swing and not come over the top, so doing exercises that are going to get them used to keeping it on plane,” Knoop said.
“Making sure when they go out and play once a week that their back’s not going to hurt, just making it more livable for them.”
Knoop works with pro Kade Johnson of Yorkton, Sask., who Monday qualified for the PGA Tour Canada’s Manitoba Open at Southwood last week and is off to DP World Tour Q School next week.
Knoop takes a drastically different approach to his game than he did in years past. He takes it more seriously and recently played in the Saskatchewan provincial championships. He finished tied for ninth in the men’s mid-amateur at Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert last month, opening with a 2-under 69 before carding 76 and 78.
“I used to think I could only play good competitive golf if I had a couple of drinks and it was fairly easy going without pressure,” Knoop said. “I went away from that, tried to stop drinking as much on the golf course and it really helped. I’m way more confident now when I get playing out here, just go out, fire at flags and make some birdies.”
Knoop’s best Tamarack finish was his run to the semifinals seven years ago when he lost to Jarod Crane. He takes on medalist Nolan Ritchie on Thursday afternoon for a return to the final four. Both men only needed 13 holes on Tuesday and should be in for a battle.
“It’s nice now,” Knoop said after walking off the 13th green. “Sunday was a little bit of a struggle. I hit the ball awesome but couldn’t putt. I think I had 36 putts on Sunday, so it was nice to see some fall (Tuesday).”
» Twitter: @thomasmfriesen