PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame adds three new members
The PGA of Ontario is pleased to announce that three incredibly deserving professionals are being inducted into the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Gordon de Laat, Gus Maue, and Neil Verwey will be honoured and officially inducted at The G.A.L.A. on the evening of Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
This prestigious honour recognizes their outstanding contributions, dedication, and lasting impact on the game of golf in Ontario. Their passion and commitment to the sport have inspired countless individuals throughout their careers.
Introducing the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Gordon “Gordie” de Laat
April 11, 1917 – November 25, 2017
PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Gordon “Gordie” de Laat’s remarkable life in golf spanned nine decades and more than 80 years in the profession. Beginning as a caddie at Lambton Golf and Country Club at age ten, he started his professional apprenticeship there in 1935 and went on to make 15 Canadian Open appearances between 1941 and 1968.
After serving as Head Professional at Pine Point Golf Club, Gordie joined Weston Golf and Country Club in 1948, where he spent 29 seasons as Head Professional. A respected mentor and competitor, he won the PGA of Ontario Seniors’ Championship in 1972 and contributed to the profession through service on the national PGA of Canada Board and as one of the original directors of the incorporated Ontario association in 1965.
Following his time at Weston, Gordie devoted himself to developing Mayfield Golf Club. Together with his wife, Mary, and their nine children, he transformed the property into a 27-hole public golf facility built around accessibility, value and a welcoming experience for golfers.
A PGA of Canada Life Member and 2016 inductee into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame, Gordie’s enduring contributions as a Golf Professional, mentor, builder and steward of the game are recognized with his induction into the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Click here to read Gordie’s full biography.
Gus Maue
Born: November 24, 1937
PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026
For more than six decades, Gus Maue has made a lasting impact on golf in Ontario as a PGA of Canada Professional, instructor, mentor and golf course developer.
Beginning his career at Whitevale Golf Club in 1958, Gus went on to serve 24 seasons as Head Professional at Westmount Golf & Country Club. Throughout his career, he coached accomplished players, including Canadian Junior Champion Danny Maue, LPGA Tour player Judy Ellis-Sams and PGA Tour winner Chris Perry. He also mentored more than 15 aspiring PGA Professionals who went on to successful careers in the industry.
Beyond instruction, Gus helped shape Ontario’s golf landscape through the expansion of Foxwood Golf Club, co-founding Deer Ridge Golf Club and his involvement with Creekside Golf Club. He also co-founded the Westmount Oktoberfest Charity Pro-Am in 1965, establishing a longstanding tradition of charitable giving.
An accomplished competitor, Gus participated in the 1963 Canadian Open and won the 1998 Ontario PGA Senior Pro-Junior Championship alongside his son Danny. His contributions were recognized with the 1996 PGA of Ontario Club Professional of the Year Award and recognition for 50 years of service to the PGA of Canada.
Gus also shared a lifelong friendship with Canadian golf legend Moe Norman, providing unwavering support and, alongside his wife Audrey, caring for Moe in his later years.
Gus’s induction into the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame recognizes a career devoted to helping people find their place in golf—whether as players, professionals or members of the wider golfing community.
Click here to read Gus’s full biography.
Neil Verwey
Born: January 7, 1940
PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Neil Verwey’s career as a PGA Professional spans more than six decades and is highlighted by his commitment to leadership, mentorship and service to the game of golf. Beginning his professional career in 1961, Neil went on to serve as Head Professional at Maitland Golf Club, Northridge Golf Course and, most notably, St. George’s Golf and Country Club, where he spent 23 years before retiring in 2004.
Throughout his career, Neil played an important role in developing the next generation of PGA Professionals, with numerous Assistants who worked under his leadership going on to become Head Professionals, General Managers and industry leaders. He also served on the PGA of Ontario Board of Directors from approximately 1985 to 1992 as Revenue Development Chairman and later gave back to the Association as a member of the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Committee from 2019 to 2025.
Neil was named the 1999 PGA of Ontario Professional of the Year and became a PGA of Canada Life Member in 2005. Upon his retirement, St. George’s recognized his lasting contribution to the Club with an Honorary Golf Membership and the creation of the Verwey Cup in his honour.
Neil Verwey’s induction into the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2026 recognizes a career defined by professionalism, mentorship and a lasting commitment to the Association and the game of golf.
Click here to read Neil’s full biography.
Gordon, Gus, and Neil will be officially inducted into the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame at The G.A.L.A. on the evening of Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
To learn more about the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame, please click here.
