OAKVILLE, Ont. – The storied legacy of Canadian golf courses has been collected and presented through a new interactive website designed to map out 143 years of Canadian golf course history in communities from coast to coast.

Through the combined efforts of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, the Canadian Golf Course History website traces the journey that golf has undertaken in this country since Royal Montreal Golf Club – the nation’s first golf course – established in 1873.

The interactive website map, presented as a timeline, serves as both a historical tool and an extensive database of many golf courses – both historic and current – that have formed the Canadian golf landscape in the past 143 years. A ‘search-for-people’ function allows users to discover the course architects who have built the game in Canada along with the many PGA of Canada professionals who continue to shape it.

“While the Canadian Golf Course History website is an excellent resource to discover our many golf facilities, it also celebrates the roots of the game and maps out golf’s footprint in communities across Canada, “said Karen Hewson, Golf Canada’s Managing Director, Membership and Heritage Services.. “The interactive map helps to tell the story of golf in this country and provides a historical lens to examine the state of the game and it’s evolution over the past 143 years. Perhaps the best feature is that this map is designed to encourage participation from golfer’s across Canada; feedback, recommended edits, stories and photos are all great contributions to the map. The scope of this project depends on user engagement to ensure the best content available. There is no doubt many people will see an opportunity to contribute.

“A snapshot of the development of golf in Canada reinforces the important contributions of so many individuals—from renowned architects to talented professionals—along with the historic landmarks and breathtaking destinations that define the Canadian golf landscape,” added Hewson. “The website takes an in-depth look at not only where we are as a golfing nation, but where we have been, the steps that were taken, and the individuals who have developed the game for more than a century.”

Numerous golf courses have hosted the RBC Canadian Open, the CP Women’s Open and Golf Canada’s national amateur championships or welcomed provincial or PGA of Canada championships to their facilities. The historical database recognizes the role that hosting these championships has played in writing the story of Canadian golf.

While the Canadian Golf Course History website launched with a wealth of information, it is also a social hub to foster interaction and conversation among golf enthusiasts. Individual course profiles will allow users to share their personal tales, tips, and information. Golf clubs and individuals are invited to share in the compilation of Canadian golf history by submitting stories, photos and/or updates for golf courses in their community.

“This initiative will enhance the historical compilation of Canadian golf through crowd sourcing from within the golf community,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “We invite courses and individuals to be a part of this living, evolving hub for Canadian golf by sharing photos and stories of their favourite facilities.”

At the time of launch, the Canadian Golf Course History website maps the information of more than 1,800 courses across Canada with new content, facts and images added daily.  Each club page includes a ‘suggest an edit’ function along with an area for individuals to share their stories and provide pivotal history.

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame would like to acknowledge Scott Burke, Dave Daye, Emily White and Laura Di Nicola for their generous contributions of time and effort that made the Canadian golf course history website possible.

Find out more or make a contribution to the Canadian Golf Course History Website by visiting www.golfcanada.ca/coursehistory.

Eighteen years after winning an Olympic Games gold medal in golf for Canada George S. Lyon took part in the grand opening of Thornhill Golf and Country Club.

As one of the country’s most notable amateur golfers, Lyon had signed on as a member of the Board of Directors, shareholder and Vice-President of Thornhill G&CC when the club opened in 1922 and had worked alongside President F. L. Ratcliff and architect Stanley Thompson to build and establish a parkland gem with an 18-hole for men and a nine-hole ladies course that have stood the test of time for nearly a century.

It would be amazing to turn back the clock and have a conversation with Lyon about his thoughts on the course, but on the official Opening Day, June 15^th, 1922, newspaper reports tell us that he shared some glowing remarks with several hundred members who showed up to watch a nine-hole exhibition match played between Lyon and Frank Thompson alongside Club Secretary Bob Gray and Head Professional Norman Bell.

“Lyon was an Olympic gold medalist in golf, the greatest Canadian amateur golfer of his time and a sporting legend who played a key role in the initial development and success of Thornhill G&CC,” says Club President, Adrian Hartog. “Lost in time is how long Lyon remained at Thornhill, but having him as part of our original founders is noteworthy in Canadian golf history and a fact that members should know and appreciate.”

You will find him included in a magnificent framed black and white photo that was taken on Opening Day that now hangs in its full glory in the Stanley Thompson Lounge and there’s a story from the Toronto Telegram that has also been framed and hangs in the family washroom near the fitness center that is a good read!

Lyon and Thompson were also involved in the development of the first public course in Toronto in 1920 – Humber Valley Golf Club – designed by Stanley Thompson – that closed in 1954 to make way for a sewage treatment plant. They would also go on to work together at St. George’s G&CC in similar roles.

“Although he should be considered one of Canada’s greatest sporting heroes, I think that until golf returned to the Olympic stage you could argue that the legacy of George S. Lyon was little known in this country. I think this has certainly changed leading up to the Summer Games in Rio as he is recognized as the defending champion. It’s getting a lot of press around the world,” says Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada.

Lyon is once again in the headlines as golf is welcomed back to the Summer Olympic Games for the first time since 1904. That’s when Lyon, who was 46 years of age at the time, travelled to St. Louis, Missouri with two other members from Lambton G&CC and triumphed at the Glen Echo Club over the reigning U.S. Amateur champ, 20-year-old Chandler Egan.

Lyon was born in 1858 in the village of Richmond, near Ottawa. He relocated to Toronto, where he raised a family of five children with his wife Annette and sold insurance for Sun Insurance Office for 37 years before retiring in 1931. He also joined the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada in 1881, as a reservist, and served through the North-West Rebellion of 1885. He played football, hockey and tennis growing up and even held the Canadian pole vault record at the age of 18. He was also a well-known cricket player and curler, who has his name on the Canada Life Trophy and was an Ontario Tankard winner. He got his start in golf at Rosedale Golf Club, but left there to be a long-time member at Lambton Golf and Country Club, as well as The Toronto Golf Club for a few years. He’d win the Canadian Amateur title eight times, among other titles, before winning gold at the Olympics. He said he played the best golf of his life finishing runner-up in the 1906 U.S Amateur. Lyon died in May of 1938 after suffering a stroke.

The very first George S. Lyon Team Championship was played in 1931 and a team from Royal York Golf Club consisting of William J. Thompson, D.W. Palmer, Hugh S. Reid and Lyon himself finished in a tie with a team from Lambton G&CC with a score of 335. It was last won by a team from Thornhill back in 1954 including; R.E. Dale, T. Hogarth, E.A. Nerlich and J Wagstaff.

In his book, Golf in Canada – A History, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member, James Barclay wrote, “His colourful excursions in such events (the Olympics) caused pages to be written in the Canadian sporting sheets, helping to bring golf to the attention of thousands who had never heard of the game. George Lyon caught the interest and imagination of all. He is remembered as a man who played golf for the sheer enjoyment of it, as one who lived to win with deep and untrammeled sincerity, but who knew how to win graciously, how to lose gracefully. Above all, he was a man who hewed to the written and unwritten rules of the game.”

So when you turn on the television in August to watch golf’s return to the Olympics don’t forget that George S. Lyon played both a large role in the Olympic movement, as well as the creation of what is now The Thornhill Club.

It was only fitting that on the same day the 2016 HBC Olympic golf uniform was unveiled, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame & Museum also uncovered a rare treasure within its collection commemorating George S. Lyon’s 1904 Olympic victory.

This program is from a dinner hosted by Lambton Golf & Country Club in honour of its member’s victory. The celebration exemplifies the pride and joy that his fellow members, as well as all Canadians, felt following his win.

The interior of the program includes the toasts given before the evening’s festivities and the menu served.

The Olympic trophy is featured on the back.

Hopefully, the tradition will continue and a similar dinner will be held for a Canadian in August.

It is my privilege to serve as the chair of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee along with nine of my committed peers. Each of us holds great respect for the responsibility and integrity that is inherent in being connected with the Hall of Fame.

The Selection Committee, which prohibits the inclusion of any members of the Golf Canada board of directors, breaks down as follows:

• Three honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, with a minimum of two from the “Players” category;
• One representative of the PGA of Canada; and
• Six representatives of the golf industry, which may include members of the media, golf course owners, golf superintendents, club managers, volunteers, etc.

The commitment is one three-year term, to a maximum of two terms (six years in total). The names of all individuals who volunteer their time on the Selection Committee are published yearly in Golf Canada’s Annual Report. Nominations are due by July 31st of each year and can be submitted from the Canadian golf industry or from the public at large.

Once a nomination is received, staff members with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame compile a package which includes new and carried forward nominations, all letters of endorsement, supporting documentation and a consolidated fact sheet with all of the individual’s key accomplishments and items of significant note. These packages are then distributed to all Selection Committee members. After being given two months to review the nominations, the members meet in the fall where they discuss all new and carried forward names. A February meeting is then dedicated to final discussion and voting. There is no limit to the number of nominations that the Selection Committee reviews each year.

• Each nomination is received and reviewed against criteria by the Selection Committee members.
• A nomination must receive eight of 10 available votes to be elected into the Hall of Fame.
• If within the five-year timeframe the nomination does not receive the eight votes to be elected, the individual is removed from the ballot.
• In any calendar year, a maximum of one builder and two players may be elected. This does not mean that the Hall of Fame must select an honouree every year. The Selection Committee may choose to elect no one based on nominations submitted as well as those carried over for consideration.

Although Golf Canada solely funds the administration of the Hall of Fame as well as the Canadian Golf Museum and Archives, the organization does not influence the nominations or participate in the selection process.

As with any Hall of Fame, there will always be discussion and even criticism regarding the selection process, the honourees and the unsuccessful nominations. While not all nominations put forth to the Selection Committee of the Hall of Fame are successful, this in no way should diminish the contributions of those individuals nominated and supported by their friends, family or industry peers.

I know that I speak for all of the dedicated members of the Selection Committee when I say that we will continue to ensure that the most exceptional achievers are acknowledged for their own indelible marks on the game of golf in Canada.

How the Hall of Fame works This article was originally published in the April 2016 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. To view the full magazine, click the image to the left.

Only 12 players have emerged victorious at both the Canadian Open and the Masters, though none have done so in the same year. As we prepare for the 2016 editions of the two events, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum looks back at these 12 players and the elite company they hold on this elusive list.

The 2016 RBC Canadian Open will be played at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. from July 18-24. Additional information regarding the event can be found on the official site.

Sam Snead
Canadian Open 1938 1940 1941	The Masters 1949 1952 1954
Craig Wood
Canadian Open 1942	The Masters 1941
Byron Nelson
Canadian Open 1945	The Masters 1937 1942
Arnold Palmer
Canadian Open 1955	The Masters 1958 1960 1962 1964
Doug Ford
Canadian Open 1959 1963	The Masters 1957
Art Wall Jr.
Canadian Open 1960	The Masters 1959
Billy Casper
Canadian Open 1967	The Masters 1970
Tommy Aaron
Canadian Open 1969	The Masters 1973
Gay Brewer Jr.
Canadian Open 1972	The Masters 1967
Mark O’Meara
Canadian Open 1995	The Masters 1998
Tiger Woods
Canadian Open 2000	The Masters 1997 2001 2002 2005
Vijay Singh
Canadian Open 2004	The Masters 2000

The successes of reality TV shows like Pawn Stars, Storage Wars, and Canadian Pickers could be attributed to the lure of great fortune. People often find exhilaration in possibly having – or finding – that single needle in a haystack that might be worth a great deal.

The thought of dusty old clubs which haven’t been touched in years generally doesn’t excite too many people, but some see value in age and potential with the passage of time.

Fortunately for those of us who do, the Golf Historical Society of Canada (GHSC) will be hosting its annual “Antique Golf” Trade Fair & Auction on Sunday, April 3 at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum – and they want to check out YOUR antique golf collectibles.

Appraisers and collectors will be on hand to let you know if you truly have a hidden ‘treasure’.  The knowledgeable members of the GHSC will identify any of your golf collectibles for FREE, including wooden-shafted golf clubs, balls, tees, porcelain collective ware, books, photographs, trophies, etc…

There is no need to be a member of the GHSC to attend.  Admission and parking are free.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and the auction (which all are welcome to participate in) begins at 2 p.m. The cut-off for auction items is 1:30 p.m. and those wishing to bid on items must register by no later than 1:45 p.m.

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum is located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club at:
1333 Dorval Dr.
Oakville, Ont.
L6M 4X7

On Thursday February 25, George S Lyon will be posthumously inducted in to the Toronto Sports Hall of Honour.  This will add to his other acknowledgements including an induction to Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame in 1955 and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1971.

The Toronto Sports Hall of Honour is celebrating and promoting exceptional sport contributions and accomplishments of those who have served as inspirational role models in sport and have brought sport recognition and honour to the City of Toronto.

As the 2016 Olympics grows closer, it is important to celebrate the great success that George S Lyon had as a athlete and Olympian particularly with his 1904 Gold Medal win in Golf.

Lyon was one of three Lambton players representing Canada at the 1904 Olympics.  He won using his souvenir putter, now being displayed in “The Lyon Lounge” at Lambton Golf Club.  His final Olympic opponent, Chandler Egan was 26 year his junior and he won his match in a virtual monsoon.

ORLANDO – The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame & Museum’s Coordinator of Heritage Services, Alyssa Reynolds, brought the 1904 Olympic golf trophy won by George S. Lyon to the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show, which wraps up today in Orlando.

The sterling silver trophy cup stands about 1 1/2-feet tall and resides at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Lyon won the trophy — and gold medal — by beating reigning U.S. Amateur champ, American H. Chandler Egan, 3 and 2, at Glen Echo Country Club in Normandy, Mo., just north of St. Louis — site of the 1904 Olympic Games. Golf returns to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio.

The PGA of Canada arranged for the trophy’s travel, and it was on full display during the association’s Canada Night celebration and awards ceremony.

While at the show, Reynolds filmed a segment with Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. You can watch it below.

In case you missed it, this weeks episode of the Canadian TV crime drama Murdoch Mysteries titled “A Case of the Yips” was about the death of a golfer on a golf course.

During the episode, lead crime detective Murdoch crosses path with the late George S. Lyon – a Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured member and reigning Olympic gold medalist for golf – while solving the case.

The fictional golf course, the venue for much of the episode, is the Toronto Athletic Golf Club. Rumour has it that this episode was filmed at Heritage Hills in Barrie, Ont.

The full episode is below. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.

It is with great sadness that Golf Canada, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the entire golf community mourns the loss of Daniel (Dan) Albert Halldorson who passed away on November 18, 2015 at the age of 63.

Halldorson suffered a major stroke on Monday, November 16 at his home in Cambridge, Illinois and passed away two days later in hospital. He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Angela, son Mark, three grandchildren and countless friends across the Canadian and International golf community.

Born April 2, 1952 in Winnipeg to Alice and Daniel Halldorson, his impact on the game was felt both on and off the golf course.

As a young player, he caddied for fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Member and Saskatchewan native Wilf Homenuik. The two would become close friends and Halldorson acknowledged Homenuik as one of his golfing mentors.

Halldorson turned pro in 1971 and his first professional victory came later that year when he won the Manitoba PGA Championship.

One of Canada’s most consistent players throughout his professional playing career, Halldorson was a member of the PGA Tour from 1975 to 2004 which included victories at the 1980 Pensacola Open and 1986 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic. Among his competitive highlights, he partnered to win the World Cup for Canada on two occasions, pairing with Jim Nelford to claim the 1980 title and then Dave Barr to claim the 1985 title.

A long-time competitor and supporter of the former Canadian Tour (now Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada), he amassed seven victories on the Canadian circuit over his career and was named a lifetime member in 2005. He would go on to become Deputy Executive Director of the former Canadian Tour in 2005, a position he held until 2011.

Halldorson was twice named Canada’s professional golfer of the year by ScoreGolf in 1981 and 1983. In 2013, he became a director of golf at Oak Island Resort in Manitoba.

His contributions to the game earned him induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2002, as well as inductions into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame in 2003 and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Statement from Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada President Jeff Monday:

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Dan Halldorson, whose lifetime of achievements in Canadian golf both as a player and a builder of what is now the Mackenzie Tour rank him among the greatest contributors to the game in the country’s history. As a player, Dan’s record ranks among the best of his generation, including one official PGA TOUR victory, seven Mackenzie Tour wins and two victories in the WGC-World Cup for Canada. His contributions to professional golf in Canada, however, go beyond his playing days, including a major role in the creation and later administration as Deputy Commissioner of the Mackenzie Tour. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Statement from Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons:

“On behalf of the entire golf community including the golfers, associations and fellow competitors whose lives he touched, we are saddened by the passing of Dan Halldorson. Dan’s accomplishments on the golf course and his contributions to the game were outstanding and although we are mourning his loss, his outstanding legacy deserves to be celebrated.”

Dan Halldorson’s competitive accomplishments as an amateur and professional across the provincial, national and international golf landscape included:

• 1970 Manitoba Junior champion
• 1971 Manitoba PGA champion
• 1977 Saskatchewan Open champion
• 1977, 1978, 1983, 1984 Manitoba Open champion
• 1980 Quebec Open champion
• 1980 Pensacola Open champion (PGA Tour)
• 1980 World Cup champion (with Jim Nelford)
• 1983 Canadian Tour Order of Merit winner
• 1985 World Cup champion (with Dave Barr)
• 1986 Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic champion (PGA Tour)
• 1982 Colorado Open champion
• 1986 PGA of Canada Championship winner
• 28 top-10 finishes in 431 PGA Tour events

Dan Halldorson (Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Archives)

Tweets from the golf world:

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Dan Halldorson and great friend to all of us that came after him, has passed away. Sad day today in golf.

— Ian Leggatt (@LeggoGolf) November 19, 2015

Thoughts & prayers w/the Halldorson family! Sad news as Dan passed away last night! As genuine a man in professional golf & mentor to many!

— Weirsy (@MikeWeir) November 19, 2015

Very sad to hear of the passing of fellow Manitoba golfer Dan Halldorson. Shared good times both on & off the course with him. RIP.

— Gail Graham (@gailgrahamgolf) November 19, 2015

Sadness, sympathies for friends and loved ones of Canadian golf great Dan Halldorson, passed away suddenly at 63.

— Cam Cole (@rcamcole) November 19, 2015

Thoughts & prayers go to the family of Dan Halldorson-sad to hear of the passing of a passionate supporter and great man of CDN golf.

— saundersrodgersgolf (@saundersrodgers) November 19, 2015

This man couldn’t have been more supportive of me and other Canadian golfers! I will miss you my friend! #dantheman pic.twitter.com/jX3SPQycRB

— Stuart Anderson (@stuandersongolf) November 19, 2015