Canada Night at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando later this month will have a very nice boost courtesy of a man who heavily influenced the game of golf in Canada and the PGA of Canada, who will honour him.
The association says they will recognize Richard H. (Dick) Grimm with its inaugural George Cumming Distinguished Service Award at the show, appropriately in front of the large slice of the Canadian golf industry members who attend the special Canadian night at the show each year. The evening, which is presented by the PGA of Canada and PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions and sponsored by Sunice at the PGA Merchandise Show will also see the 88 year-old made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Association.
George Cumming is considered the “Dean of Canadian Professional Golfers.” Cumming’s teachings as proprietor of the Toronto Golf Club’s golf shop launched the career of many of Canada’s most revered golfers.
The Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf.
“I speak on behalf of all the Association’s 3,800 members when I say we couldn’t be more proud to have Dick Grimm as the inaugural recipient of the George Cumming Distinguished Service Award,” says PGA of Canada CEO, Gary Bernard. “Over the course of his legendary career, Grimm has exemplified the qualities of this award: leadership, integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf in Canada.”
Grimm’s career in the Canadian golf industry dates back nearly 50 years. In 1965, he first became Chairman of the Canadian Open for Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. In 1970, 1975, 1977-80, Grimm was the RCGA’s Canadian Open Chairman. For a decade (1983-1993) Grimm was the Director of Professional Tournaments for the RCGA and was also the Canadian Tour’s Commissioner from 1993-1997. Grimm is a member of the Ontario and Canadian Golf Halls of Fame. Furthermore, he’s a former President of the RCGA (1974); RCGA Governor (1969-1974); and RCGA Honourary Life Governor (1975-present).
Grimm has been very supportive of the PGA of Canada and its members throughout the years. He continuously looks for ways to improve the Association and enrich the day-to-day lives of our members.
“Dick has been a big supporter of the PGA of Canada for a number of years,” says PGA of Canada President, Glenn Cundari. “From his time at the RCGA, to his role as commissioner of the Canadian Tour, and even still to this day, he’s always looking at ways to better our Association and our members.”
