The PGA of Ontario Remembers Sam Young

We are saddened to share the passing of PGA of Ontario Class "A" Head Professional and Hall of Fame member, Mr. Sam Young (1941-2024).

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, Sam Young passed away at the age of 83 years old as the result of a severe stroke. He was born in Scotland on August 4, 1941.

Sam began working in the golf business in the mid-1960s as a caddy for Jack Littler, the Head Professional at Oakdale Golf Club. He shared the Pro shop staff quarters with George Knudson. In 1966, he played the Canadian Tour cashing 11 out of 15 cheques. In 1967, he qualified to play in the Canadian Open. When he arrived to hit his first tee shot, his hands were swollen and painful with arthritis, forcing him to retire from the Tour.

Sam found work at Pleasure Park Driving Range with Chris Knill as a Swing Instructor which led to employment at Thorncliffe Park Golf School. He then became an Assistant to Irv Lightstone at Maple Downs G.C. Through his contacts there, he took over as the GM at Huntington G.C. and began a 50-year career teaching juniors. Huntington was perfect; the location, a huge driving range, an excellent putting green and a building for indoor teaching in poor weather.

In 1975, Sam purchased a small 9-hole course near Shelburne which eventually expanded to 18 holes with a superb driving range. It included designated teaching areas, a pitching green, and a putting green all built to accommodate his Junior Program. In 1986, he moved his wife (Mary), son (Brooks) and daughter (Megan) to Shelburne full-time. They all worked together as a team to build their business.

As it expanded, Sam's Golf Academy became one of the finest found anywhere. He created multi-level age groups and began producing champions at every level beginning at age three and graduating at age 19. Over the years he taught thousands of young players with over 30 attaining university scholarships, several attempting to play tournament golf and dozens learning life skills and a love of golf.

Not only has Sam been a role model on the lesson tee, he has been a dedicated member of the PGA of Ontario and the PGA of Canada, serving as President for both associations accompanied by lengthy terms on both Boards of Directors. He served on the Management Team of the Royal Oak G.C. and headlined as a speaker at the Toronto Golf  & Travel Show.

Sam also found time to serve a ten-year term on the Shelburne Economic Development Committee and five years as President of the Hospital Board of Directors. He also sat as a member of the Shelburne Chamber of Commerce for years including a term as Chair.

Sam was also the chair of the Group of 6 Production Crew. This was a group of six local businessmen who renovated and restored the old Shelburne Town Hall. The town's marketing information now includes this once-broken building as one of their tourist attractions.

Sam Young, a life well lived.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Shelburne Golf and Country Club.

Courtesy of the Young Family