From the Archives

At the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, we know our honoured members are special people. They should be celebrated, not only for their achievements, but for their innovation, creativity and longevity in supporting and developing the game of golf in Canada. This is why we are always so happy when others recognize these achievements as well.

The PGA of Canada recently honoured one of our members for showing such prowess by awarding him with the George Cumming Distinguished Service Award and making him an Honorary Lifetime Member.

Recognized as “Mr. Canadian Open,” Dick Grimm was instrumental in developing the Canadian Open into what it is today, as well as providing a semi-permanent home for the tournament at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

Grimm’s involvement with the Canadian Open began at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, where he served as Chairman of the tournament in 1965. He went on to voluntarily Chair the Open in 1970, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980. Grimm also found time to act as a Governor of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) from 1969 to 1974, before being hired as the Director of Professional Tournaments from 1983 to 1993. He then served as the Commissioner of the Canadian Tour from 1993 to 1997.

The PGA of Canada recently posted a video of Mr. Grimm accepting the George Cumming Distinguished Service Award, which can be viewed below this blog. Jack Nicklaus also took time to thank Grimm in a message posted by the PGA of Canada on Youtube. That video is below as well.

The namesake of the award, Mr. George Cumming, is also one of our Honoured Members.

Considered to be the “Dean of Canadian Professional Golfers,” Cumming’s teachings as proprietor of the Toronto Golf Club’s golf shop launched the career of many of Canada’s most revered golfers. Not only did this transplant from Scotland win the Canadian Open in 1905, but three of his assistants won the championship in the following years – brothers, Charles and Albert Murray as well as Karl Keffer.

Cumming also served on the Board of the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association. At the time of his death, he was vice president of the Association.

Cumming’s integrity and personality emphasized his passion for the game of golf. His wisdom was passed on to so many apprentices that it could be said that every golfer in Canada today owes Cumming a debt of gratitude.

Congratulations Dick Grimm on this well-deserved honour.

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To learn more about the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame's Honoured members, click here.