Ontario golf loses a legendary role model as Sam Young dies at 83

by Michael Schurman May 1, 2024April 12, 2025

On Saturday April 27, Sam Young passed away at the age of 83 years old as the result of a severe stroke. He was born in Scotland on August 4, 1941

Sam began working in the golf business in the mid-1960s as a caddy for Jack Littler, the Head Professional at Oakdale Golf Club. He shared the Pro shop staff quarters with George Knudson. In 1966, he played the Canadian Tour cashing 11 out of 15 cheques. In 1967, he qualified to play the Canadian Open but when he arrived to hit his first tee shot, his hands were swollen and painful with arthritis, forcing him to retire from the Tour.

Sam found work at Pleasure Park Driving Range with Chris Knill as a Swing Instructor which lead to employment at Thorncliffe Park Golf School and then as an Assistant to Irv Lightstone at Maple Downs. Through his contacts there, he took over as the GM at Huntington GC and began a 50 year career teaching Juniors. Huntington was perfect – the location, a huge driving range, an excellent putting green and a building for indoor teaching in poor weather.

In 1975, Sam purchased a small 9 hole course near Shelburne, which eventually expanded to 18, with a superb driving range with allocated teaching areas and a pitching green and putting green all built to accommodate his Junior Program. In 1986, he moved his wife (Mary, son Brooks and daughter Megan) to Shelburne full time. They all work together as a team building their business.

As it grew, his Golf Academy began one of the finest found anywhere. Sam created multi-level age groups and began producing champions in every level beginning at age 3 and graduating at age 19. Over the years he taught thousands of young players with over 30 attaining university scholarships, several attempting to play tournament golf and dozens learning life skills and a love of golf.

Not only has Sam been a role model on the lesson tee, he has been a dedicated member of the PGA of Ontario and the PGA of Canada serving as President for both associations accompanied by lengthy terms on both Boards of Directors. He filled the Chairmanship of every committee on the Ontario Board and the National Board including President of each. He served on the Management Team of the Royal Oak G.C. and the Head-liner Speaker from the Ontario Golf & Travel Show.

Sam also found time to serve a ten year term on the Shelburne Economic Development Committee, 5 years as President on the Hospital Board of Directors He also sat on the Shelburne Chamber of Commerce for years including a term as Chair.

From 1998 to 2004, a group of six leading businessmen in Shelburne came together to renovate and restore the old Shelburne Town Hall. They were called The Group of Six and Sam was the Chair. Built in 1883 and seeing dozens of businesses come and go, the old gorgeous building is once again full of beauty and action. The town marketing information now includes this attractive building as a “must see” tourist attraction on their Walking Tour.

Sam Young, a life well lived.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Shelburne Golf and Country Club

Awards

1963 PGA of Ontario Assistants Match Play Champion

1986 PGA of Ontario Club Professional of the Year

1987/88 PGA of Ontario President

1989 Score Award Club Professional of the Year

2002 Junior Leader of the Year

2002 PGA of Ontario Junior Teacher of the Year

2003 PGA of Ontario Junior Teacher of the Year

2003 Training Facility of the Year

2011 Ontario Golf Coach of the Year