Page 46 - GBC Winter 2024 English

As we reflect on 2024, it’s hard not to feel proud of all we have achieved as a golf community in Canada. This year was marked by a historic milestone, with the prestigious Presidents Cup, held at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, in Montreal, Quebec. It was a monumental moment for Canadian golf, as we watched some of the world’s best golfers compete on one of our courses. Royal Montreal was in perfect condition, and the players couldn’t stop talking about it. I want to personally thank every- one responsible for the event from the PGA Tour, grounds crews, organizers, volunteers, and every- one behind the scenes for creating an exceptional world-class event.
What stood out most to me was the passion of the fans. Montreal has always been known for its sports enthusiasm, and this event was no exception. Fans showed up in big numbers, bringing great energy and excitement to the tournament. Regardless of who they were cheering for, the crowd was respectful and supportive. It was a great example of what makes golf in Canada so special: inclusivity, warmth, and a genuine love for the game.
While the excitement of the Presidents Cup still lingers, I would like to highlight the NGCOA Canada Invitational events, held
A Year of Milestones
46 Golf Business Canada
across the country this past summer/fall (see pages 44-45). From the sold-out status of several of these events, it’s clear how passionate and united the NGCOA Canada community is. These events provide more than just a fun day on the course; they help to strengthen our community, allowing our members to network, share ideas, and build lasting partnerships that will benefit our industry. I want to take a moment to thank our chapter leaders, our staff and members for making these events possible. Your commitment is inspiring. I encourage all NGCOA Canada members to continue supporting these valuable initiatives.
Golf in Canada is experiencing a period of growth and excitement. It is important that we take advantage of this moment. The exposure from the Presidents Cup and our strong community engagement, has put us in a great position to attract more people to the game and to strengthen the relationships within our golf network. Whether it’s through youth programs, enhancing facilities, or offering new services,
we can continue growing the game at both the grassroots and professional levels. I am confident that the future of Canadian golf is brighter than ever.
For our NGCOA Canada members, I want to remind you that you are part of something special, a cult, as I jokingly refer to our close-knit community! Whether you are operating a small local course or a large facility, you are contributing to the overall strength of Canadian golf. Let’s keep building on the successes of this year!
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s achievements. Your dedication and passion are what make golf in Canada so vibrant and successful. Together, we have made 2024 a year to remember, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future as we continue to grow this incredible game we all love.
Sincerely,
Daniel Pilon, Owner
Club de Golf St-Zotique, QC
The Parting Shot
Message From The NGCOA Canada President • Daniel Pilon