Former Golf Canada Executive Director was globally renowned as one of the foremost authorities in the Rules of Golf, a passionate golf industry leader whose decades of service helped shape the modern era of Canadian golf.
Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Stephen Douglas Ross of Dundas, Ont. — a 2011 inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and one of the most influential administrators in Canadian golf history.
The golf community extends sincere condolences to Stephen’s wife, Janet; his four children – Stephanie (Dan), Andrew, Christopher (Stephanie) and Nicholas; grandchildren Savannah, Scarlett, Samantha, Isaiah, Sadie, Skylee and Sienna; and the entire extended Ross family.
An obituary with service details will be shared at a later date, once it becomes available.
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A respected golf industry leader, Stephen Ross devoted more than 30 years of his life to the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), shaping the sport’s development in Canada with vision, integrity, and unmatched dedication.
Born on June 22, 1954, in Newmarket, Ont., and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business, Ross began his career with the RCGA in 1977 as Assistant Amateur Tournament Director. He went on to serve as Director of Amateur Tournaments from 1980 to 1988 before being appointed Executive Director in 1989—a role he held with distinction for 18 years until 2007.
During his tenure, Ross guided the organization through a period of unprecedented growth and major transition. His leadership was instrumental in launching transformative programs and initiatives, including the former Future Links junior golf program, the RCGA Foundation University/College Grant Program (now administered through the Golf Canada Foundation), the RCGA’s high performance program, and significant expansion of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. He played central roles in landmark moments in Canadian golf, such as the sale of Glen Abbey Golf Club in 1999 and the 2005 amalgamation with the Canadian Ladies Golf Association.
Ross also championed national championships and grassroots golf. He led centennial celebrations for both the RCGA and the Canadian Open; helped safeguard and elevate the Canadian Women’s Open and Canadian Women’s Tour; established the former Canadian Senior Open; negotiated major sponsorships; reintroduced Golf Canada magazine; oversaw the purchase of the former RCGA Golf Centre in Calgary; and organized prominent international events such as the Four Nations Cup.
Internationally, Ross earned a reputation as one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Rules of Golf. He served on the Joint Rules Committee alongside representatives from the R&A and USGA, officiating at many of the game’s most prestigious championships, including The Open Championship, The Masters, the U.S. Open, World Match Play, the Players Championship, the Presidents Cup, the Australian Open, and the Canadian Open.
He introduced the USGA slope rating system in Canada, established national Rules certification programs, and helped organize the 1992 World Amateur Team Championship. He also served on the World Golf Hall of Fame election panel.
In 2012, Ross was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and in 2013, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) honoured him with its Distinguished Service Award.
At the time of his passing, Ross and his family owned and operated the Oak Gables Golf Club and Learning Centre in Hamilton, Ont., continuing his lifelong commitment to nurturing the game.
“Stephen Ross’s influence on Canadian golf is immeasurable, a globally respected golf industry champion who changed the landscape of Canadian golf,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “His leadership, intellect, and unwavering passion elevated the sport at every level—from juniors to professionals, from national governance to global standards. His legacy will endure through the programs he built, the championships he shaped, and the countless individuals he mentored and inspired.
Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame extend their heartfelt condolences to the Ross family, Stephen’s industry colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and career.
