Gar Hamilton Set A Fine Example
October 19, 2010 by Kyle German
I read recently that Gar Hamilton is retiring and it’s a tribute to him that, thousands of miles away, I was familiar with him, even if it was mostly by reputation.
I had never met him, but I was fortunate to play with Gar last year at the Titleist and FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship in Florida. To me, it’s pretty simple why he is renowned across the country based on the short amount of time I spent with him.
He is just a class guy. Everything about him says class – the way he carries himself, the way he talks, the way he’s respectful to everybody. This may sound corny, but as a new dad, I would like my son in about 50 years to be regarded the same way as Gar is now.
Respect is a big part of it. You earn respect by being the right type of person.
Obviously, his game speaks for itself. He’s accomplished countless things on the golf course, but I’m sure around Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, where he’s been for so long, he’s revered and that’s something you earn.
Longevity has a lot to do with it. The more experience you have at a place, the more you earn that respect, but as a club professional, you don’t stay at a private club with the reputation of Mississaugua for that long without being incredibly good at what you do.
I don’t claim to know Gar all that well, but I spent eight to 10 hours playing golf with him and truly enjoyed it.
When I see how many people respect him, I think everybody would like to be looked at in the same light. It’s something we should all strive for wherever we’re employed.
Kyle German is the 2008 winner of the Canadian PGA Club Professionals Championship and is a teaching professional at Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, BC. He is also a longtime member of the PGA of British Columbia and the CPGA.
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Kyle…what a wonderful thing to say about Gar! NO!…it’s not corny to wish that for your son! I’ve been friends with Gar since he was 15 yrs. old. Nobody respects him more than me! When I grow up I want to be just like him!!
Well said Kyle…Congratulations Gar, you’ve been an inspiration to so many…look forward to seeing you soon!
Well said Kyle. Gar is the epitome of what Golf professionals should strive to be. The fact that you would make the comments you did after one brief encounter confirms the high esteem in which Gar is held by our profession and golfers generally
Good on you……..
Congratulations Gar on an outstanding career
Hey Gar — Teddy Maude here — Just read this and I would be remiss if I didn’t ” chip in ” !
Will always remember when you and Nancy visited us in Nassau ! I’ll always also remember those pro am days at Horseshoe Valley !!
All the best old friend in your retirement !! I can only think of 2 people in this country that combined both the ability to play the game at the highest standard and combine it with the committments to the members at a private club — That is you and my ” brother ” Herby Holzscheiter !!!
All the best –
Ted Maude
I grew up playing Junior Golf with both Gar and Kenny Trowbridge. I would like to say Congrats to Gar on his achievements and wish him all the best in his retirement … also a big hello to my old friend and best-ball partner Ken Trowbridge … we should have a reunion some day … all the best guys!!
Jim Short
I am an ex pro from the UK and met Gar in Fort Lauderdale 77/78 ish with dale Welker – Mike Slipko etc, then again in England (cornwall) I believe where my business still is today.
Gar will not remember me, but what I remember about him along with Dale was that they could always find a little time to make others feel good about themselves.
Happy retirement Gar, and if you are ever coming to the old country drop me an email.
John Elsey