The PGA of Canada Remembers

The PGA of Canada Remembers

Arnold Mclean Sr.
June 4, 1923-August 31, 2018

Arnold passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife Lavina (nee Matheson) of 72 years along with his children, Arnold Jr (Cynthia), Brian (Laurie), and Donna Anderson (Roy); six grandchildren, Allison, Andrew, Heather, Blake, Sean and Ashley as well as four great-grandchildren to commemorate an active and fulfilling life. Arnold was born in the Rosemont district of Montreal, son of Allan and Margaret (nee Kelly) McLean, one of seven children, three brothers and three sisters. All four brothers became golf professionals, inspired by their father who originally founded courses in Rosemont. Arnold served as a flight engineer in the RCAF during WWII. His career path then took him to Whitlock and Hillsdale where he served as head professional. Later, along with his partners, he created a golf course as part of the growing development of the town of Lorraine in 1959. He soon bought out his associates and Lorraine Golf Club was born and continues to flourish year 'round with curling and, later, hockey and skating in winter.

As a competitor, Arnold won the Quebec Junior Championship at the age of 16 and went on to win numerous other Canadian tournaments during his illustrious career. He became a member of the Loyal Order of Golfing Legends and served as President of both the Professional Golfers Association of Canada and the Quebec Professional Golfers Association. He was also instrumental in acquiring the Royal Oak Golf Club in Titusville, Florida, which became the winter home of the PGA of Canada where he officiated as Director for many years. Honoured as a Master Professional in 1974, one of only four in Canada at that time, Lorraine members fondly recall his early morning greetings in the pro shop and his skill as a teacher of the game he loved.