Long-time PGA member and course builder Ed Membery
Our friend Kevin Hamill passed along the sad news of Ed’s passing:
I am reaching out on behalf of my close friend Craig Membery to let the PGA of Ontario and Canada know of the passing of Craig’s father Ed Membery on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 at the age of 82. Ed was a 30-year member of the PGA of Canada and pioneer of golf in Central Ontario. Ed’s contribution and impact on the game of golf was immeasurable. His family-owned Golf Haven GC (now known as Harbourview GC) in Gilford, ON in the 60’s and will be fondly remembered as the first club to take on Moe Norman as their “playing professional”. Ed recounted many wonderful stories about Moe Norman, who was welcomed into the Membery family for many years as Moe worked on perfecting his golf swing at Golf Haven and competing across North America.
In 1989, Ed Membery purchased land in Innisfil which would allow him to pursue his dream to build a top-quality golf course to satisfy the demand for a high end golf property in the region. This dream would become reality when National Pines Golf Club officially opened in 1992. Ed sold his share of the business in 1996 and pursued his next golf project by creating Cedar Links Golf Centre in Barrie, ON.
Cedar Links is an executive par 3 golf course located at the south/east corner of Huronia Road and Mapleview Drive in Barrie. Ed’s vision was to create the perfect facility for families wishing to take up the great sport of golf. With holes ranging in length from 80 – 140 yards, there are many challenges for the experienced golfer yet it is the perfect length for a beginner. The course and practice range is located in the heart of one of the busiest intersections in town and is always full of players either taking up the game or honing their skills on the driving range.
Golf courses were Ed’s life, and he continued his passion for golf by purchasing a course in Sebring, Florida where he would spend many winters.
Ed was always a big promoter and supporter of the PGA of Canada. When I approached him about potentially teaching lessons at Cedar Links he made it clear that he would only allow PGA members to conduct lessons at his facility and was happy to support my career by offering his facility to conduct golf lessons.
Info related to Ed’s involvement in the golf industry in Barrie and the surrounding region can be found below:
https://www.barriearchive.ca/2017/08/27/national-pines/
Ed’s son Craig Membery, GM and partner in Innisbrook GC in Barrie, ON asked me to help notify the golf community of Ed’s passing. Ed forged many great relationships with a vast network of PGA professionals throughout Ontario and beyond. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Kevin Hamill, PGA General Manager Mara Hills Golf Resort
