Two of the most helpful and interesting guys I have gotten to know through our Fairways radio show and my writings, Richard Zokol and Stephen Ross are going into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
I remember so many things about both, mainly that they were always available.
Scott Metcalfe and I spent the weekend up at Diamondback in 2001 when he won the Canadian PGA when it was a combined event with the Nationwide tour, one of his career highlights and every year when I would organize our season finale ' Birdies and Bogey's show he was always an entertaining and thoughtful contributor.
Stephen was also always available no matter how sticky the topic. I remember a great interview we did one year when he was involved in a big ruling story that broke from Augusta where he was the rules official presiding I think over the 16th hole, and he came on with us early that Saturday morning to give our listeners the "inside story"
Here is the official release from Dan Pino of Golf Canada
Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Golf Canada are proud to announce that Richard Zokol of Vancouver and Stephen Ross of Dundas, Ont. have been elected as the 2011 inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Ross is the former longtime Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (Golf Canada) while Zokol spent 23 years as a member of the PGA TOUR in a career that included a pair of PGA TOUR victories.
Zokol is being inducted in the player category while Ross will be inducted as a builder. With their inductions, Ross and Zokol become the 68th and 69th honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
“It is an honour to be nominated and elected into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. I have worked in golf my entire adult life and it is very rewarding to have my life’s work recognized in this way,” said Ross. “Congratulations to Richard Zokol and his entire family for his election. I accept my election to the Hall on behalf of my family and all those employees who worked with me over the years and helped make this announcement possible.”
“Being inducted into our country’s Golf Hall of Fame is an immeasurable honour considering the past contributions of Canadian legends of the game beforehand,” said Zokol. “The feeling of gratitude of just being considered is overwhelming."
“The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame seeks to recognize excellence as golfers, contributors and supporters of the game,” said David Shaw, Chair of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee. “Stephen Ross and Richard Zokol have each amassed their own unique golf-related legacies and are fine examples of what makes golf such a great sport. Both of our 2011 inductees made tremendous contributions to the game and it is only fitting that as such, they are recognized for their accomplishments.”
Zokol will be formally inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame this summer at a ceremony in Vancouver while details of Ross’ induction will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
STEPHEN ROSS
Over the course of a 30-year career with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), Stephen Douglas Ross built a legacy as one of Canadian golf’s most prominent administrators. Born on June 22, 1954 (56) in Newmarket, Ont., Ross is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivey School of Business. He joined the RCGA as Assistant Amateur Tournament Director in 1977 and served as Director of Amateur Tournaments from 1980-1988. In 1989, he was named Executive Director of the RCGA, a position he would hold for 18 years before stepping down in 2007. During his tenure, the RCGA experienced significant growth and introduced a number of programs and initiatives including the Future Links junior golf program and the RCGA Foundation University/College Grant Program as well as the creation and expansion of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.
He led the RCGA through some of the most significant moments in its storied history including the sale of Glen Abbey Golf Club to ClubLink in 1999 and amalgamation with the Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) in 2005. He also led the centennial celebrations for both the RCGA and the Canadian Open; conserved the Canadian Women’s Open and Canadian Women’s Tour; started the Canadian Senior Open; negotiated sponsorships for the Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Open and Canadian Senior Open; re-introduced Golf Canada magazine; orchestrated the purchase of the RCGA Golf Centre in Calgary; organized the Four Nations Cup (Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand); and introduced the RCGA Distinguished Service Award.
Renowned as one of the world’s most respected authorities on the Rules of Golf, he served on the Joint Rules Committee (with R&A and USGA) and officiated at countless national, international and professional championships (British Open, The Masters, US Open, World Match Play, The Players Championship, The President’s Cup, Australian Open and the Canadian Open). During his tenure, he created the RCGA’s Rules of Golf certification program; introduced the USGA ‘slope’ handicapping system in Canada; led the bid and organized the 1992 World Amateur Team Championship and also served on the World Golf Hall of Fame election panel. Ross is currently the Managing Partner at Oak Gables Golf Club and Learning Centre near Hamilton, Ont.
RICHARD ZOKOL
Born August 21, 1958 (52) in Kitimat, B.C., Richard Zokol’s playing career is highlighted by success in amateur, collegiate and professional golf. As an amateur, he was a member of Canada’s 1980 World Amateur Team and won the 1981 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. In 1981, he helped Brigham Young University win the 1981 NCAA Team Championship.
Zokol would later turn professional in 1981, with his first professional victory coming at the 1984 Utah Open. Zokol spent 23 years competing on the PGA TOUR and has two career victories – the 1992 Greater Milwaukee Open and 1992 Deposit Guarantee Classic. He is also a two-time winner on the Canadian Tour having won the 2001 B.C. Open as well as the 2001 Canadian PGA Championship. He also represented Canada at the World Cup (1992 and 1993) and was a member of the Dunhill Cup Team (1985-1987 and 1992-1993).
He is a former host of Acura World of Golf; a published author (Swing Free: 3 Simple Steps to Better Golf) and was named Canadian Playing Professional Golfer of the Year in both 1992 and 1993. In 2009, he was inducted into both the Brigham Young University Hall of Fame and the British Columbia Golf Hall of Fame. His is an honorary member of Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver as well as a developer and partner with the acclaimed Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club.
Bryan Angus
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