Jeff Chambers, Head Golf Professional at Elmwood Golf & Country Club, has been presented with the John Gaudet Teacher of the Year award by the Professional Golf Association of Saskatchewan.

"It's one I've always wanted to get. I respect all the teachers that guide the way for us in the industry. To be honest, I was sitting there and I instantly got nervous - I could feel the blood flowing and shortness of breath and I thought it's kind of a weird feeling to be feeling nervous. Yeah, it just felt really good to win the teacher of the year."

The newly named Teacher of the Year in Saskatchewan golf says his passion for the game, as well as helping others find passion and realize their potential, is what makes the recognition for the work even more worth it.

This was the first year the SPGA award was named after former Chinook Golf Course professional John Gaudet, who served there from 1992 to 2013 and was named Professional of the Year in 2004, Teacher of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Sadly, Gaudet passed away in November of 2016.

"There's no secret that he did so much and taught so many people in Swift Current and basically opened the roadway of instruction," said Chambers. "With his passing, it was a tough time for us that knew him and respected him. To be honoured with the trophy that's in his name in his first year of having it, that really hits home and I just thought that meant something extra special to me for sure."

Chambers and Gaudet's friendship and working relationship dated back to approximately the start of the century, and the head golf professional says the passion Gaudet had for the game helped his own thrive even more.

The recognition for the award stretches beyond just Chambers himself though, something he's happy to see as well.

"Well we're (Elmwood) on the map, I mean there's no question - not just in the southwest, but in Saskatchewan and in Canada so it's pretty awesome."