During my time at TGC, I have had the opportunity to conduct significant golf tournaments, become involved in a Pro Shop rebuild as well as Colt, Watson and practice facilities redesigns and even directed our team through a difficult Covid period. Working with some terrific Club Captain’s throughout the years, I am extremely proud to have been able to assist when asked and direct when required to help better the golf experience for our members.

What provides the greatest joy and comfort for me is to know that we as a Pro Shop team helped to shape young lives in a positive direction, whether young back shop employees or graduating Associate Professionals, I am so proud to have collaborated with such amazing people and it is a major source of pride and satisfaction.

My career in golf has been one of dedication on one hand and sacrifice on the other, what I have given to the Club over the years meant that a multitude of family events were pushed to the side for me. Retirement will be an awakening of sorts, with family trips and cottage time spread out over the summer months. Time to play golf, time to catch fish and, most importantly, it is time to start wearing shorts!

Next season will be exciting, with an outstanding group of young professionals and teammates ready to go, I am so confident that the season will be a rewarding one. It is an honour to work with Head Associate Professional, Laura MacElwain, who continues to amaze. Laura has our merchandising program, staffing requirements and Club calendar geared up and ready to go! Our teaching programs are set thanks to Director of Instruction, Andrew Lovell. This spring we will welcome two new Assistant Professionals, Lucas Robertson, who comes to us from the Barrie C.C. and Connor Brown, who has completed two seasons at London Hunt and C.C. Both are excellent young men, and they will be great additions to the team

Special thanks to John Gravett, who has been amazingly supportive of my decision to retire, and thank you to Anne Richardson, Paul Chambers and Paul Scenna, all of whom are exceptional Senior Managers here at the Club.

During my recent courtesy call to Mr. Elliot Gardiner, he reminded me that as Club President, he hired me because I was wearing black shoes with a navy suit, while the other candidate lost his shoes and appeared in brown deck shoes. So, thank you Mr. Gardiner for noticing my shiny shoes, I am forever indebted, and thank you to our members for so many years of support. Looking forward to an outstanding 2023 season!

Doug Rankin,
Head Professional