Joe Noble
1910 - 2006
Joe Noble, known by his friends as “Joe the Pro” was the complete Club Professional. He was an accomplished player, noted instructor and an ardent promoter of the game to players of all skills and ages. In addition, he was a mentor to young golfers at his club and helped to forge the career paths of many through his wisdom and advice.
A diminutive man who cast a long shadow, Joe, probably better known as a Teacher, was a skilled player in his own right. He participated in 20 Canadian Open Championships and made 13 cuts with his best finish being in 1941 when he tied for 21st. In addition, he had a 3rd place finish in the 1946 PGA of Canada Championship.
Joe’s reputation as “Gentleman Joe” was forged in the 1960 Miller Match Play Championship. During the final match, Joe’s opponent (Hall of Fame Member) Al Balding became violently ill, and Joe insisted that they take a break to enable him to continue the match. After a lengthy delay, play was resumed and Balding ultimately won the match and the championship. An act of true sportsmanship.
As a teacher, Joe was ahead of his time. He was among the first to utilize audio tapes to provide feedback to his students on many topics including technique, strategy and even psychology. Joe was noted for his work with Juniors and for many years he conducted free weekly Saturday morning clinics at Thornhill for children of members and their friends.
His passion for Junior golfers extended beyond his club. He was an integral member of the team that began the Junior Camps conducted by the GAO, the pre-cursor to the Elite program of today and he was the guiding force behind the GAO Junior Best Ball Championship which was first played in 1946 and continues to this day.
Joe’s philanthropic side was always on display. He was the guiding force behind the establishment of the Hulbert Memorial Fund in 1946 which was ultimately gifted to the PGA of Ontario Benevolent Fund in 2021 as well as the Joe Noble Trust Fund that was established by the Thornhill Club in his honour, to help young Thornhill members based on accomplishment or need.
Joe served as Vice Captain and other roles within the PGA of Ontario including President. Joe served in the Navy in World War II and in his early years, during the off-season, he was the Badminton Professional at the Granite Club in Toronto, a role he enjoyed for 17 years.
Career
- 1933 - 1962 - Participated in 20 Canadian Open Championships
- 1946 - PGA of Canada Championship - 3rd Place
- 1960 - Miller Match Play Championship - Runner Up
- 1968 - PGA of Ontario Senior Champion
- 1968 - PGA of Northern Ontario Champion
- Head Professional - Galt Country Club - 1930
- Head Professional - Westmount Country Club - 1935 - 1939
- Head Professional - Summit Country Club - 1946 - 1947
- Head Professional - The Thornhill Club - 1948 - 1975
- PGA of Canada Member from 1928 - 2006