Assistant Professor Vanessa MacKinnon

Vanessa MacKinnon, PGA Professional, LPGA

Vanessa MacKinnon is the internship coordinator for the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program and an Assistant Professor of Sport and Health Science.  Prior to coming to Cal in July of 2008, she spent ten years in the golf industry, the last six as a full-time teaching professional.  She is a Class A member of the PGA of America, as well as a member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division.  She has also competed on the professional long drive circuit, including in four World Championships.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University, where she competed on the varsity golf team, and a Master of Arts degree from McGill University in Montreal, where she competed on the varsity squash team.  She is currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Education program, with a Sport Management specialization, at Northcentral University.   She is focusing her dissertation research on women and golf.

In addition to her passion for golf, Vanessa is also enthusiastic about fitness.  She is an American Council on Exercise (ACE)- certified group fitness instructor, as well as a certified Master Golf Fitness Instructor.  She spends much of her free time working out.

Vanessa’s other interests include traveling and studying foreign languages.