Bio: Gary was born into golf, in the clubhouse at Huntsville Downs where his father was green keeper and his mother ran the club. “my father worked on the course construction at Royal York then moved to Huntsville where Stanley Thompson also built the Downs”
A professional since 1966 (former Captain of the CPGA), worked in Canada, US, Bahamas, Jamaica and Greece. Once head pro at Bayview CC, Gary has favoured the resort business (weather?). Played golf in over 30 countries (2nd in Danish Open, CPGA Championship and PEI Open-20 years apart), worked with many Fortune 500 companies running schools and corporate events, very experienced in tournament operations from a members event to a PGA Tour event, love old courses and classic designers like Stanley Thompson, dislike golf gurus, married a long time to wife Carolyn, two sons living in Calgary, old enough to share my opinion! My heros: Bill Murray, Sandra Post, Moe Norman, Eddie Chadwick, Bobby Orr, John Akers. played with Geo Bush Sr. “not on my hero list”
Topics: mostly opinions on the state of golf, “everyone deserves to hear my opinion” type stuff, all based on a lifetime in the business. Golf course design and construction, teaching, myths based on National Golf Foundation figures, etc. “Like many politicians I’ll offer criticsm, and unlike politicians I’ll offer solutions”
Gary: Did you used to do a clinic called “The Swings The Thing” in the Bahamas?
Good memory Moose:
we did Swing’s the Thing in the Bahamas from 1968-70 (King’s Inn and Lucayan). We even did a few in Toronto in 73 (with Sam Young, Glennie Phillips, Dave Clayton, Jason Haugh, Jim Lawrie and myself). We did a “show” at Weston GC and Summerlea in Montreal too. Lots of fun, SWING’s THE THING is owned by my old boss Dick Farley and they operate at Orange Lake in Florida.
Where and who are you?
Hi Gary: I was married to former Pro Doug Sinclair. We went to the Bahamas with a group for a Pro/Am tournament and saw your show. Really enjoyed it. I also remember Jason Haugh. He was the Pro at old Georgetown (now Eagle Ridge) was he not? Doug Sinclair worked as an Assistant for Doug Bruton and then he was the Head Pro also at Georgetown for a couple of years. After that Head Pro at North Halton then went into the investment business – good move!
Thanks for the update, you mean being a pro isn’t an investment? My good friend Chuck Shields went from Head Pro to home sales and has a great run in Calgary, but he still wants to give it up to be a pro. I guess now he can afford to be one! Jason was at Georgetown, then went to Vancouver, retired and I’m not sure what he’s up to now. I remember Doug, all the best, Gary
golfslatters@hotmail.com
Hi Gary
I remember playing with you at Burlington Springs when you worked there. I still can’t believe you cut off the dogleg on #1, went for the green and made it. Saw you in “The Swing’s The Thing” at South Ocean Beach in Nassau. I still have photos of us all lined up in our golf carts watching you. Must have been about 1973 or ’74.
Glad to hear you’re doing well.
Bob Sheppard
Burlington
thanks Bob, I remember, I think the trees are too high now, plus that was a long time ago. Wayne Sisson is back at Burlington Springs working summers (he was Dir of Golf in Acapulco), drop in and say hello! maybe we can play if I get up this summer, Mike Fraser is a member at Burlington. all the best, Gary
Slapper,
Happy for you and Carolyn going to the Mecca of golf. I have a lot of good times to share about you and I, but I can’t remember a one. Age I guess. Can you still hit a low power fade? Tiger calls it “his stinger.” I saw you hit it before Tiger was born. Marketing I guess. Stay in touch.
Hi Slats
You may not remember me after this long, but I just re-visited Jamaica and ran into Seymour Rose at Runaway Bay. He is the man you asked me to take around the Canadian Open course in 1968 at St. George’s. You were in the tournament as the Assistant Pro there and I had drawn your name to be your caddy. You were extremely busy in the shop helping get the tournament together in the days before the actual event and asked me to show Seymour around. I remember Seymour knocking it over the back in two on 15 with a two iron and thinking he should have been in the tournament.
I was with Sam Young at Huntington, Ben Kern at the National, Ken Venning at Castlemore(he was a character that we will all miss), back to Sam Young at Shelburne and now at Bay of Quinte with Russ DaSilva.
What’s happening at South Ocean Beach?
All the best
Ian
Just wondering where you are these days..How bouta round at the springs
Gordo
Really good work about this website was done. Keep trying more – thanks!
played with gary as a kid finally won the high school tournament gary had left for college i remember hitting good shots gary would say lets play for a coke promptly hit close to the pin i went over the club house
Thanks for all your comments, interested as always in any type of golf history.
Fore from Quebec!
Hi Gary, My husband worked at green Valley in Montreal for Jim Lawrie (Is this the same Jim Lawrie you mentioned?) We had heard that he was working at Shuswap Lake Estates in Salmon Arm BC, but I hear he is no longer there, I work at Salmon Arm Golf Course and had heard that he is now is Thailand. Jim helped my husband immigrate from the UK to Canada and he would love to get in contact with Jim. My husbands name is Ray Marks
Thanks
Pat Marks
Hey, Big Guy, and just discovered this blog, and just had the privelege of having a fun day at Burlington Springs, a dedication to some lost buds, Doc , RO, Virus, and Freddy Speck, all friends of yours truly, “Bob” Fraser, Muzz, and Wee Carnoustie, Jim Milne. We had a great day, mucho memories, and, yes you were included. Many stories about “back in the day” which of course included “Blue” who will always be part of our lives. Salud, amigo! ws
Hi Gary and Carolyn Were are you? All is well here, Please call we would love
to here from you.705-732-4269 or email us.
All the best Perry
Hi Gary, John Russell here . Going back a long way to the Dynamic Golf Center in Thornhill Ontario. With Bobby Walker in the repair shop .
I am now in Cochrane AB . Looked for you in Ontario a few years ago to no avail .