Who is the greatest Canadian golfer of all time?  well the debate will always rage on as the Canadian talent becomes greater.  I think since we have the number 1 and number 2 amateur golfers in the continent, we are definitely a force to be reckon with in the years to come.  However, with the future so bright, who is the greatest so far.....
Put a Little Power in your Swing
I participated in a CPGA seminar a couple years back, where we were asked to list ten great Canadian golfers.  I easily named ten and probably left another ten off my list.  The problem is, the other people had problems listing more than 5 great Canadian golfers.  So with that said, I've had time to rethink and actually put my top 10 in order.  I hope this doesn't upset too many people.

10.  C. Ross (Sandy Somerville)
- Won 6 Canadian Amateur Championships from 1926-1937
- First Canadian to win U.S. Amateur Championship in 1932
- 3 Canadian Senior Championships

9.  Jim Nelford
- 2 Canadian Amateur Championships
- 1977 Western Amateur Championship
- 2 second place finishes on the PGA Tour
- Won World Cup of Golf with Dan Halldorson

8.  Dave Barr
- 2 PGA Tour Wins
- 1 Champions Tour Win
- 12 Canadian Tour Wins (1 CPGA Championship)
- T2 1985 U.S. Open

7.  Gary Cowan
- 1 Canadian Amateur Championship
- 9 Ontario Amateur Championships
- 2 U.S. Amateur Championships
- 1969 Porter Cup

6.  Pat Fletcher
- 1952 CPGA Championship
- 1954 Canadian Open Champion (last Canadian to win)

5.  George S. Lyon
- 8 Canadian Amateur Championships
- Only Golf Olympic Medalist in Golf 1904

4.  Stan Leonard
- 3 PGA Tour victories
- 36 Canadian Tour Victories (Including 8 CPGA Championships)
- 3 CPGA Senior Championships

3.  Moe Norman
- Arguably the greatest ball striker in history
- 2 Canadian Amateur Championships
- 55 Career Canadian Tour Victories (Including 2 CPGA Championships)
- 8 CPGA Senior Championships
- 33 course records

2.  George Knudson
- 8 PGA Tour Wins
- 5 CPGA Championships
- 3 Top tens at the Masters (T2 1969)
- 25 Professional Wins Worldwide

1.  Mike Weir
- 8 PGA Tour Wins (in Tiger Woods era)
- 2003 Masters Champion and only Canadian to win a Major
- 14 Professional Worldwide wins
- 5 time President's Cup team member

Other notable players who didn't make my list:
Al Balding, Bob Panasik, Doug Roxburgh, Jerry Anderson, Dan Halldorson, Brent Franklin, Jim Rutledge, Richard Zokol

I just want you to know it was a tough list to compile and I would love to hear any arguments.  It would be great to hear what others think and who would be on their list.
 


Comments

Glen Yearsley
04/02/2010 7:32pm

Hello Jim;
Your top 10 is a fine choice of gentlemen indeed. This year, 2010 Ben Kern is being inducted to the Canadian Golf Hall of fame in Oakville and although he didn't make your list has made his mark on the Canadian Golf Community. In earlier days my mother worked alongside his sister Eva in Mississauga and has one of her paintings hanging in her living room.

Regards
Glen A. Yearsley
Cambridge

Reply
Frank Kenesky
04/06/2010 1:59pm

Jim: You're list is great but one of them should not be on it. I find it hard that Nick Weslock was not included in your top ten greatest Canadian golfers. As an amateur, his record was superb.
8 Ontario Amateur titles
7 Ontario Open titles (beat the
pros 7 times)
11 times Canadian Open low
amateur
4 Canadian amateur titles
11 Ontario Senior Titles
4 Canadian Senior Titles
Member RCGA Hall of Fame (1972)

Several years ago, the late great golf legend Tommy Bolt upon seeing Nick at the Super Seniors Golf Championship at King City, Ont. announced loudly for everyone to hear within earshot, "Nick Weslock, Canada's greatest amateur golfer". Now nobody gets an introduction like that from Tommy Bolt, and, I might add, was quoted by Ben Hogan as being one of the greatest shotmakers of all time. Tommy Bolt does not give out compliments unless they are deserving and well earned.

Reply
Jim Kenesky
04/06/2010 6:31pm

I agree with Nick Weslock, as he was a great Amateur golfer in this country. I think PGA tour status and winning at that level is such a great credential and of the highest in our game. That's why my list is comprised of mainly individuals whom competed and won on the PGA Tour.
I met Mr. Weslock for a coffee a few years back and had one of the greatest conversations with any golfer I've ever had. He was a true a gentleman in our conversation and had some great stories. He was a great player and deserves all the accolades he has received.

Reply
Don Barton
07/15/2010 11:54am

Which Canadian golfer had the nickname of Weed?

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