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Ian Clarke

Ian Clarke

PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Born:  April 20, 1946 in Belfast Northern Ireland

Ian Clarke began his golf journey in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he caddied for Fred Daly, the 1947 Open Champion and Head Professional at Balmoral Golf Club. He enjoyed success as a junior golfer before immigrating to Canada in 1966. After some travelling, Ian began working for Murray Tucker at the Board of Trade Country Club in 1968, starting in the back shop and eventually moving up to the position of Assistant Professional in the front shop.

During his time at the Board of Trade, Ian served as President of the PGA of Ontario Assistants’ Committee and placed third in the 1972 PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship. In 1973, he earned a bursary spot at the Pat Osler Bursary Tournament, which qualified him to play on the South African Sunshine Tour in 1974, where he competed successfully.

Ian married his wife Rhona in the fall of 1974, and together they have two daughters, Tara and Fiona. In 1975, he became the Head Professional at Dundee Golf Club, where he won the 1976 PGA of Ontario Championship along with numerous Pro-Am events.

In 1980, Ian accepted the position of Head Professional at Glendale Golf Club, where he served for 25 years until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure at Glendale, he represented Ontario in four Ontario–Quebec matches and won several notable events, including the Head Professional – Assistant Professional Championship, the Senior Professional – Junior Professional Championship, and the Senior Hunt Trophy twice.

Following his retirement, Ian continues to give back to his community, volunteering as a driver for the Cancer Assistance Program and at a local food bank in Hamilton.

 

Contributions and Achievements:

  • Head Professional
    • Dundee Golf Club 1975-1980
    • Glendale Golf Club 1980-2005
  • Served as a Director or Chair on the following Associations and Organizations
  • Golf Historical Society of Canada 12 years in various positions
  • Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour 10 years in various positions
  • Chair of Glendale Golf Club 100th Anniversary Celebrations
  • Chair of Elizabeth Memorial Charity Event raising thousands of Dollars for Charity
  • Canadian Golf Hall Of Fame 10 years culminating as Chair for 2 years
  • PGA of Ontario Hall Of Fame Committee founding member
  • PGA of Canada Hall Of Fame Committee founding member
  • PGA of Ontario Board of Directors 10 years in various positions
  • PGA of Canada Board of Directors 10 years in various positions
  • President PGA of Canada 1997-1998 
  • PGA of America Honorary Director 1997-1998
  • PGA of Ontario Club Professional of the Year 1991
  • PGA of Canada Life member
  • PGA of Canada 50 Year member