CBC Digital Archives

Canadians are mad about golf

From Ada Mackenzie to Moe Norman to Sandra Post, our homegrown golfing heroes have thrilled, surprised, inspired and delighted us. Our golfing history is a tale of an eccentric perfectionist, a caddying Cinderella, an unstoppable "hit man," and a local boy named Mike who mastered the game with quiet determination. CBC Archives examines the careers and victories of our golfing greats.

Canadians are crazy about the infuriating, intellectual, frustrating, all-consuming game of golf. The game is played passionately by Canadians from coast to coast year round. Our homegrown heroes include greats like Marlene Stewart Streit, Sandra Post, Moe Norman and Mike Weir. The Inside Track's Robin Brown explores the history of golf, our professional and amateur stars, and Canada's unwavering obsession with the sport in this CBC Radio feature. 
. The Royal Montreal Golf Club, established in 1873 by Scotsman Alexander Dennistoun, is the oldest club in North America.
. In 1904, the Royal Montreal hosted the first Canadian Open. The winner, John H. Oke, shot 156 and won $60.

. The Canadian Open boasts a long history and is the second-oldest stop on the PGA circuit and the third-oldest national championship in the world, behind the US Open and the Open Championship.
. Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson helped shape the game of golf by designing some 120 courses across the country in the 1920s through the 1950s.


. Toronto's George S. Lyon was born on July 27, 1858. A natural athlete, Lyon began golfing at the late age of 38 and found he had a flair for the game. In 1904, the insurance agent represented Canada at the Olympics and won the gold medal in golf at age 46. Lyon was elected president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in 1923. He died on May 11, 1938, in Toronto.
. Golf was discontinued as an Olympic event in 1904.

. In 1955, golfer Al Balding made history when he became the first Canadian to win a PGA Tour event with his win at the Mayfair Open.
. The Royal Canadian Golf Association, Canada's governing golf body, has 400,000 members and 1,600 associated member clubs as of May 2005. The RCGA establishes the rules of golf. It also supports Canada's national junior program and the amateur Canadian Ladies' Golf Association.

. The Professional Golfers' Association of America was established in 1916. The PGA national championship tournament is one of golf's most prestigious and lucrative tours.
. The Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of America was established in 1950. While less lucrative than the PGA, the LPGA tour continues to showcase the world's best golfers.
Medium: Radio
Program: The Inside Track
Broadcast Date: Sept. 12, 2004
Guest(s): Karen Hewson
Host: Robin Brown
Duration: 11:49
Photo: National Archives PA111522

Last updated: March 27, 2012

Page consulted on April 3, 2013

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