The international golf world is diverse, and few represent the values of the Swiss PGA as authentically as Denise Lavigne.

For over 30 years, she has been a prominent figure in the world of golf – as a player, coach, and mentor. Her career has been shaped not only by athletic achievements but also by her commitment to promoting the sport and Swiss golf culture worldwide.

The Path to the Swiss PGA – A Forward-Thinking Step
Lavigne began her journey at the Golf Club de Genève in 1990, where she worked as a teaching professional and technical director of the junior program. Even back then, it was clear to her that this was not a short-term commitment but a long-term project. Joining the Swiss PGA was a logical and important step for her to pass on her expertise and passion for the game.

Success as a Player and Coach
Denise Lavigne wasn’t just a talented athlete – she achieved success in several sports, including golf, badminton, and basketball. In 1980, she won the Quebec Amateur Championship, placed second twice at Canadian junior and professional tournaments, and earned a golf scholarship to Florida International University in Miami. After graduating with a degree in sports education, she played professional golf for six years before deciding to take a new direction as a golf instructor and coach.

Florida – A Hub for Golf
Since 1990, Lavigne has lived and worked in Boca Raton, Florida. For over three decades, she shaped winter training at Deer Creek Golf Club in Deerfield Beach and coached many Swiss talents, some of whom are now professional golfers themselves. Since 2018, she has been Director of Instruction at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach – another highlight in her international career.

Global Challenges and Opportunities
Life as an international professional golf coach comes with its challenges. Travel, cultural differences, varying tax systems, and different golf regulations are all part of the job. But for Lavigne, the opportunities far outweigh the obstacles: exchanging ideas with colleagues from around the world, building new friendships, and gaining diverse perspectives not only enrich her work but make her an even better teacher – open-minded, adaptable, and always eager to learn.

Making Swiss Quality Visible Worldwide
Denise Lavigne lives the values of the Swiss PGA – at every level. The Swiss PGA logo is featured on her website and materials, underlining her deep connection to the Swiss golf community. At international golf events and educational seminars, she stands for Swiss values like quality, collegiality, and continuous development. She particularly values the Swiss PGA webinars and the Junior Golf Exercise Book, which she sees as an important tool in her work with young talents.

Denise Lavigne – A Swiss Golf Ambassador with Global Reach
A Career Full of Highlights
Denise Lavigne has built an impressive career, significant both in her role as a coach and mentor. She coached the girls' team at the Canada Games and led the Quebec women’s team. Many of her former students are now successful golf instructors, including Swiss national coach and former LET player Nora Angehrn.

A Philosophy That Connects
Lavigne follows a clear coaching philosophy: “I tailor my coaching to the individual – in a fun and engaging learning environment.” This philosophy has guided her over the years, always with the goal of bringing out the best in each individual – regardless of nationality or cultural background.

Valuable Advice for the Next Golf Generation
For young Swiss PGA members aiming for an international career, she offers valuable advice: players should seek international competition early on and build a strong support team. For coaches: continuous education, international networking, and openness to new methods are key. Those who succeed locally can be recognized globally – just like Denise Lavigne, who embodies this philosophy with great success.

Latest Honour – A Career Milestone
One of the most recent milestones in Lavigne’s career is her induction into the Golf Québec Hall of Fame as a “Builder.” This honour, awarded to her on May 2, 2025, recognizes her outstanding contribution to the sport and her long-standing work as a teacher, mentor, and promoter of golf in Québec and beyond. Lavigne is proud to receive this recognition alongside other distinguished figures in the world of golf.

Through her work, Denise Lavigne has not only shaped golf in Switzerland and Québec but also built bridges between cultures and enabled many golfers to pursue successful careers. Her story is a testament to how passion and professionalism can advance the sport on a global scale.