Cookie la O'
Head Coach – LABsters Junior Golf Program
With over 25 years in the golf industry, Cookie la O’ has built a distinguished career as a player, coach, and mentor.
As a high-level amateur, Cookie represented the Philippine National Team from 1997 to 2002, competing in prestigious events such as the World Amateur and Asian Games, where he earned a Silver Medal in 1998. Turning professional in 2002, he went on to play on the Asian Tour from 2003 to 2009. He remains an active competitor as a member of both the Philippine Golf Tour and the Vancouver Golf Tour.
In addition to his playing career, Cookie has an extensive coaching background. He served as an Assistant Coach for the Philippine National Team during their gold medal victory at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. Passionate about developing young talent, he founded the Future Champions Golf School in Manila in 2009, focusing on junior golf instruction. His expertise also led him to serve as the instructional host for The Perfect Round golf show in 2015.
Since moving to Canada in 2021, Cookie has continued to expand his impact on the game. As a PGA of Canada member, he coached at Golftec Vancouver from 2021 to 2023, helping players refine their skills. He remains dedicated to sharing his love for golf, mentoring students to help foster growth and development within the sport.
Email: cookie@thebackyard.golf
Sahil Sami
LABsters Team Member
With over 15 years of experience in the golf world, Sahil Sami brings a deep passion for the game and a strong understanding of how golfers develop their skills. His coaching focuses on building solid fundamentals, confidence, and a clear understanding of the golf swing, helping players improve in a way that is both effective and enjoyable.
Having spent years studying the game and working closely with experienced coaches, Sahil combines modern instruction techniques with a practical, player-focused approach. He works with juniors, beginners, and developing golfers, helping them build a strong foundation that will support long-term improvement.
Based in Surrey and Langley, Sahil is passionate about growing the game locally and creating a positive environment where golfers of all ages can learn, practice, and enjoy the sport.
A Coaching Philosophy Built Around Simplicity and Results
Golf is complicated, but learning it shouldn’t be. Sahil focuses on simple, actionable instructions tailored to each player’s needs. He avoids unnecessary technical jargon and instead helps students understand their tendencies and build repeatable fundamentals.
What Makes SAHIL Different
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Approachable, clear communication
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Outdoor lessons that translate directly to on-course play
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Fun, relaxed, and supportive environment
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Personalized strategies for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players
His genuine passion for teaching sets him apart as a leading golf instructor in Cloverdale, Surrey.
Email: sahil@thebackyard.golf
Jonathan Aguirre
LABsters Team Member
Jon brings a diverse sports background and a strong foundation in competitive golf, having played at the collegiate level. His experience across multiple sports has shaped a well-rounded and engaging coaching style. Driven by his passion for the game, Jon is excited about mentoring young players – helping them learn solid golf fundamentals, while building confidence and a love for the sport.
Matt Palsenbarg
LABsters Coach & Owner
Backyard Golf Head Teaching Professional
Backyard Golf Head Teaching Professional
As a local who grew up in Cloverdale, the Clayton Hills Par 3 (previously known as Sunrise) was one of the first courses Matt Palsenbarg played as a kid. He didn’t love golf right away, but he grew to love the game at a young age.
Matt has been coaching golf for over 20 years and is known for having the answers. He spent much of his career at Northview Golf & Country Club, where he served as Director of Instruction for 15 years. During his time there, he started the Tour Performance LAB elite junior program and founded LABsters, a popular junior golf initiative for kids ages 4–12.
In 2020, Matt became the Director of Instruction at Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, where he helped launch their state-of-the-art practice facility, The Farm. While he was also owner of Langley Golf Academy and growing the game of golf with LGA and the LABsters.
In 2025, Matt returned closer to home to bring his coaching expertise to the Haus of Golf in Langley, BC, and pursue his vision of opening The Backyard Golf Company. After three summers of LABsters camps at Clayton Hills Par 3, Matt realized the course offered a unique opportunity—a missing piece waiting to be brought to life. Building a facility with junior golfers and new golfers in mind he is really pleased to bring LABsters to a new home.
Now, Matt is excited to be coaching players of all levels at both The Backyard and Haus of Golf. LABsters is poised to grow with a facility built for fun and learning. Whether you’re a kid discovering the game or an adult looking for a great place to hang out and improve, The Backyard and Clayton Hills Par 3 are where golf and community come together.
- 23 Years Coaching 25,000+ Hours of Lessons.
- Numerous Awards for Coaching & Instruction – PGA of BC.
- Point Grey Golf & CC Director of Instruction.
- LABsters Junior Golf Program Owner
- 15 Years The Tour LAB – High Performance Junior Development program, at Northview.
- 19 Years Northview Golf Course – Head Teaching Professional.
- Coach of Coaches and mentor of teaching professionals across Canada and internationally.
- BC Golf Provincial Coach for High Performance for 7 years.
Email: Matt@thebackyard.golf
The LABsters Junior Golf Program, located in Surrey, British Columbia, introduces the game of golf to thousands of kids throughout the Lower Mainland. Programs include development and creativity during weekly and private lessons, camps, and events, all geared towards teaching youth to love the game of golf!
Located at The Backyard Golf Company, at Clayton Hills Par 3
5640 188 St, Surrey, BC, V3S 7Y1
LABsters Golf. All rights reserved 2024—the site launched by G4 Communication.