Mike Haraguchi Appointed Head Pro At Capilano
New Capilano GC Head Professional Mike Haraguchi
By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf
(January 27, 2025) - You can count on one hand the number of head professionals Capilano Golf & Country Club has had since opening in 1939. Mike Haraguchi is honoured to be among them.
The highly regarded West Vancouver private club recently appointed the Richmond native as their new head pro.
He succeeds Mark Thirtle, who departed last year to become director of golf at La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara, Calif.
“To be honest, being the fifth head pro in our history — and the fact I have worked for three of the previous four — is a pretty cool thing,” Haraguchi said in an interview.
“It’s a great place to be, it’s a fabulous golf course and the membership is great. I have been here 20-plus years and they have treated me very well. It’s a very special feeling.”
After spending some time playing the Canadian Tour, Haraguchi was hired by former Capilano head pro Gerry Chatelaine back in April of 2004. He most recently served as the club’s associate professional.
Haraguchi, who won the 2005 PGA of BC Championship, said he has been touched by the response he has received from members since his appointment was announced.
“I actually said to my wife, I don’t know if I have ever replied to that many emails in one day as I did the day it got announced,” he said. “It feels amazing to know I have the members’ support. You can’t ask for much more than that.
“There are so many things that make Capilano a special place. The property is amazing. The golf course is outstanding and the membership here is a very tight-knit group. I find it very different than many other courses. Here everybody knows everybody, where at some other private clubs it can be a very different atmosphere. It is almost like a family atmosphere so to speak.”
When he’s not at the golf course, the 47-year-old Haraguchi can often be found on an ice rink. He is a longtime member of the Richmond Cowboys, a hockey team with a rich history that does some great work in the community.
In addition to Thirtle and Chatelaine, Capilano’s other previous pros include the legendary Jock McKinnon, who served from 1939 to 1979, and Brad Burgart.