Janes Named Ontario Club Pro Of The Year

Ron Janes, head professional at Toronto Hunt, has been named the 2009 Ontario PGA Club Professional of the Year after a career that began under the renowned Pat Fletcher at Royal Montreal.

Janes has been head professional at Toronto Hunt since 1996.

“At my age to win this award means a lot, I mean, there are so many qualified individuals for this award and to be chosen was a complete surprise but a welcome one,” said Janes.

After becoming a Class A member in 1974, Janes moved from Royal Montreal to Barrie Country Club in Ontario and eventually on the St. Charles Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg.

He met his most important mentor, Jim Collins, then head professional at St. Charles. Collins’, who was one of the country’s top club professionals from a managerial, playing and teaching standpoint.

“I was extremely lucky to work with Jim Collins,” said Janes. “He was the guy who helped me get on in life and in the business and I am very grateful for that.”

Now 60, Janes doesn’t have any retirement plans. In fact, he is looking forward to completing a number of projects at Toronto Hunt.

“I’m at a magnificent facility and I plan to keep working to improve what we’ve started,” said Janes, who has been instrumental in a number of course changes that have occurred at the nine-hole course over the last few years.

“I’ve never woke up feeling down about going to work, I absolutely love this business and it keeps me going everyday,” he said.

This year’s Teaching Professional of the Year presented by FlightScope was awarded to Sean Casey from the Clublink Academy, which is located at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont.

Teacher of the Year nominees are judged on a wide array of criteria ranging from innovative teaching techniques to instructional articles, videos or promotions.

Casey, who began his career in New Brunswick in 1998, has been published both nationally and internationally, including his own instructional book entitled Casey’s Golf Tips.

“It’s a great honour just to be nominated with all of theses fine individuals,” said Casey, who has been nominated twice before in this category.

This year’s Teacher of the Year for Juniors is Henry Brunton of Henry Brunton Golf.

Brunton’s year was highlighted with the introduction of his first book entitled Journey to Excellence – The Young Golfers Complete Guide to Achievement and Personal Growth.

The book was designed to assist young golfers maximize their potential on and off the course, was released in September.

“The book was the highlight of my year and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my positive experiences with parents, players and all golfers not only juniors,” added Brunton, the national men’s coach for the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

“It’s great to be recognized with my peers,” said Brunton, the only Canadian among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 instructors.

Colin Imrie, the head professional at Weston Golf and Country Club, was named this year’s Merchandiser of the Year.

“Just to be mentioned in the same sentence as some of the past winners is a privilege and an honour,” said Imrie. “Our team at Weston has made a commitment to making our shop a world-class operation and offering our members top quality service.”

Justin O’Leary, associate professional at Deer Ridge Golf Club in Kitchener was named this year’s Assistant of the Year.

“I’ve been working in golf since I was 11 years old and this is the highlight of my career,” said O’Leary who grew up at Westfield Golf Club in Saint John, NB.

“To win this award on the same night as Sean (Casey) is truly awesome and I can guarantee we will do some celebrating tonight,” added O’Leary.

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