CALGARY–Little did Ron Laugher know that a casual conversation during a morning rain delay at a Florida golf tournament would send him packing his bags for Calgary to build a distinguished career in golf that would span more than four decades and earn him the PGA of Alberta’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
“This is a tremendous honour. I’ve been involved in the Association for a few years now, so to be included with the past recipients is an honour and appreciated,” said Laugher, who will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the PGA of Alberta during the Association’s annual Awards Show, October 22.
After graduating McMaster University in 1977, Laugher cut his teeth into the golf industry as an Apprentice Professional at St. Catherine’s Golf Club while also playing competitively.
“Bruce Murray hired me, took me under his wing and helped me with my game.,” added Laugher. “But then, years later, it was a meeting with Al Ewen, the pro at Royal Oak Resort and Golf Club in Florida, who actually invited me to work as an assistant in Alberta. I’ve been here for more than 40 years and I’ve never looked back.”
Laugher followed his passion for golf to the Wild Rose province, working as an Apprentice Professional at Calgary Golf and Country Club from 1978-1981, and as an Assistant Professional (1982-83) before heading up the road to Calgary Elks Golf and Country Club (now The Winston Golf and Country Club) where he took on the Head Professional job from 1984-87.
But, as Calgary was getting set to welcome the world for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Laugher found his new professional home as the Head Professional at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club where he remained until 2022.
Through the mentorship of professionals like Bruce Murray, Al Ewen and many others, Laugher has developed into an exemplary leader in Alberta, and Canada’s golf industry where he has helped mentor countless PGA of Alberta members, highlighted by developing 30 of his Assistant Professionals into Head Professionals.
“With their help, I have been able to pass on many of the things I learned from them to several other Canadian PGA Members in the Alberta zone at Priddis and others that I worked, or connected with,” added Laugher. “I’ve been surrounded by so many wonderful people and I’m very proud of all of the other golf professionals and amazing people that I’ve worked with over the years. We have gone through many peaks and valleys, but I am very proud of the relationships we have established and the success we’ve all had together.”
Throughout Laugher’s career, he has been dedicated, loyal and proficient to growing the game of golf.
The President of the PGA of Alberta from 1989-1990, Laugher served on the Board of Directors (1984-1992), and has been an Advisor to the Board (1992-Present).
His long list of accomplishments are also highlighted by his extensive involvement in promoting the game. He has introduced a sponsored Junior Program to Priddis Greens, developed a tee time booking system free of playability restrictions, hosted the Canadian Club Professional Championship and the Canadian Amputee Championship, served on several golf committees at both at the professional and amateur level, and donated his time for junior camps and free clinics.
“Ron is the consummate professional. A tremendous leader in the Board room, and a mentor to so many professionals who have carried on to great careers. Ron’s eagerness to ’do it right’ and unfettered professionalism has always been admirable,” said Shawn Lavoie, President, PGA of Alberta. “Ron’s list of accomplishments is truly remarkable, making him so deserving of the lifetime achievement award.”
The list of awards and recognitions on and off the course are equally impressive. A six-time winner of the PGA of Alberta Club Professional of the Year award, Laugher was also the 2006 Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year. A winner of 33 individual and 22 team professional events, Laugher was the 1987 PGA of Alberta champion and 1984 Alberta Match Play champion. He also represented Alberta seven times at the Canadian Club Professional Championship.
“Golf has been everything to me and my life. It’s been my passion since I started playing when my mom introduced me to the game when I was 13. The old saying is true, ‘Work at something you enjoy, you’ll never work a day in your life,’” said Laugher. “I always felt I was just going to the golf club for the day. It’s been very fulfilling. I can’t be thankful enough for all of the people who have supported, helped and mentored me over the years. I am so thankful I found the game of golf. I couldn’t dream up a better way to spend my life.”
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