Chris Knight rolled the dice on a second career and came up lucky again.
"It's primarily a hobby," said Knight, who was visiting Las Vegas on Jan. 13 when he learned he was recognized as one of KZG World's Top 100 ClubFitters for 2012. "My hobby will probably give way to being a little more full time when I retire in a couple of years from my real job."
Knight was among 13 Canadians, three from British Columbia, recognized by KZG among qualified professional custom club fitters in Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States. It's the second time Knight received the honour, noticed for the first time in 2009.
"I was pleased the first time and obviously more pleased the second time," said the 54 year old. "It's always nice to be recognized as knowing the craft."
But, just like in 2009, Knight won't be in Orlando, Fla., at this weekend's banquet to pick up his award. Two years ago, Knight couldn't make the award's ceremony because he was visiting his mother in Ottawa.
This year it was a gift for his wife Jane that will keep him from the banquet to pick up the plaque in person.
"I took my wife to a Celine Dion concert for her birthday," he said about the vacation days to Sin City earlier this month he used up.
"They'll send it to me."
One of the judges on the selection panel was Clay Long, renowned club designer and personal trainer for Jack Nicklaus.
"It adds some credibility to the award that's for sure," said Knight.
The owner of the Vista Ridge Golf shop in Prince George works with some of the top amateur golfers in B.C., including Des Webster, the multiple club champion in Williams Lake. Knight built a set of golf clubs for Webster in 2011.
Since 2009 Knight has expanded his client-base geographically, moving into Quesnel, Vanderhoof and Williams Lake.
"I do all the specialty work as well as the repairs for Aberdeen [Glen Golf Course].," he said, adding most of his new clients are referred by word of mouth.
Before outfitting a new client with a set of clubs, Knight has a specific process he goes through.
"It's a combination of a client interview where we determine the client's needs and limitations and the client's dedication to the game," said Knight. "I do an analysis where I use a launch monitor to determine the characteristics of the swing, the characteristics of the ball flight and then ultimately what are we trying to achieve for that particular client.
"That leads to a selection of shafts that have certain performance characteristics and then club heads that are a combination of workability, forgiveness and performance overall," he added. "When we put them all together, including a grip that's been properly sized, then the golf club will perform, feel and ultimately give the golfer better confidence as well."
Knight does his club fitting and shop business at Vista Ridge Golf by appointment only.
For more information check the website www.vistaridgegolf.ca.
