Canada Night, What a Night

More than 500 people—including PGA of Canada professionals; Canadian and international golf media members; association partners and sponsors; PGA World Alliance members; and other specials guests—were on hand to celebrate golf in Canada.

“What an evening this turned out to be,” said PGA of Canada president Gregg Schubert. “The buzz in this room tonight was something I’ll never forget and truly made me proud to be a PGA of Canada member.”

“We had it all here tonight with Bob Week as the emcee, the honouring of our national award winners, a great video message from Jack Nicklaus, the unveiling of the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame inaugural class and all the great smiles and stories seen and heard around the room.”

PGA of Canada national award winners on hand being honoured included Scott Kolb, Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year; Pierre-Luc Darveau, Moe Norman Apprentice of the Year; Rob Houlding, George Knudson Teacher of the Year; Glen Sirkis, Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year; and Henry Brunton, Tex Noble Award for Professional Development.

Unable to attend were Sheryle Rowland, Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year; Billy Walsh, Mike Weir Player of the Year; Robert Ratcliffe, Ben Kern Coach of the Year; and Jack Nicklaus, George Cumming Distinguished Service Award.

Nicklaus, however, did address those in attendance with a video message where he graciously thanked the association for the prestigious award and told a number of great stories about his time working and playing in Canada.

In addition to national award winners being honoured, the 26 names of the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame were unveiled.

Al Balding; Dave Barr; David Black; Gordie Brydson; George Cumming; Pat Fletcher; Brent Franklin; Daniel Halldorson; Wilf Homenuik; Jules Huot; Karl Keffer; Ben Kern; George Knudson; Willie Lamb; Stan Leonard; Henry Martell; Jack McLaughlin; Albert Murray; Charles Murray; Jim Nelford; Moe Norman; Bob Panasik; Cathy Sherk; Murray Tucker; Mike Weir; and Richard Zokol make up the inaugural class.

“The 26 men and women who were named here tonight represent some of the finest players, teachers, coaches and people in Canadian golf history,” said PGA of Canada Hall of Fame Chair Warren Crosbie. “I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about the members of our inaugural class to visit the newly launched PGA of Canada Hall of Fame website.”

Over the following weeks, video interviews with the national award winners will be posted on the PGA of Canada’s YouTube page and website.