EMIGRATED FROM SCOTLAND IN 1981 BUT COMES HOME REGULARLY

NEW PRESIDENT OF GOLF CANADA IS A SCOT - DOUGLAS ALEXANDER

 

FROM DOUGLAS ALEXANDER
Glasgow-born President of Golf Canada
Colin, I have read your columns for a long time and found them a very good way to stay informed about golf in Scotland.  
I emigrated to Canada in 1981, but still have family in Bearsden and am home on a regular basis.  
I played at Prestwick and Western Gailes last October in the triangular matches between the senior associations of Canada, Britain and the United States. 
However, the purpose of my note is to let you know that as an exile I have assumed the presidency of Golf Canada, the governing body of golf in Canada. 
I am attaching some notes (scroll down to read them) that were used by our past president in introducing me at our annual meeting, which will provide you with a little background.  
Should you need any more info, there are some articles and remarks at golfcanada.ca.  
I grew up playing golf at Hilton Park and have many fond memories of learning under the guidance of Jimmy McCondochie.
If you are ever short of material, I thought the Scottish connection with golf in Canada may be of interest.
Please keep up the great coverage.
With best regards,
Douglas Alexander

Badge of Office speaking notes – Mike Carroll

• As my final official duty as 2013 president, I am honoured to present the Badge of Office to our incoming president, my good friend Mr. Doug Alexander.

• As I call Doug forward, a few of his many personal and professional highlights:

• Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Doug has had a passion for golf since the age of 5.

•  In 1981, he emigrated to Canada and in 1989 made his home in London, Ontario where he currently resides with his wife Anne.  They have two children Rob and Lisa. 

• Doug credits his interest in golf to his mother, father and grandmother who introduced him to the game. His mother was a multiple-time club champion at Hilton Park Golf Club just outside of Glasgow.

• At the age of 13, Doug began his competitive golf career, playing in various tournaments such the Scottish boys championship and also the British youths championship in 1975 when the field included Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam.

• In Doug’s own words, playing in the British youths championship against the likes of Faldo was when was he realised he needed a career outside of playing golf – but don’t let him fool you, he is a great competitor.

• He attended Glasgow University in Scotland from 1974-1977 where he also played on the University Golf Team. 

• He began his career as a chartered accountant in 1980 and shortly after emigrated to Canada.

• Doug spent his first six years in Canada working with Ernst and Young. He is qualified as a chartered accountant in both Scotland and Canada.

• He was first introduced to Golf Canada by past president Garry West – Doug worked admission at the Canadian Open for a few years before being promoted to Chair of Parking.

• Doug relocated to London, Ontario in 1989, where he served as the Chief Financial Officer of London Life and Trojan Technologies. 

• After moving to London, Ontaro he continued his involvement as a volunteer with Golf Canada and would go on to serve on the Board for the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO).

• In London, Ontario, Doug was an active member at West Haven Golf Club before moving to London Hunt and Country Club in 1995 where he is proud member today.  He served on the Board of London Hunt for six years and was Club President in 2010. 

• If you ask Doug, he’ll likely downplay his success in competitive golf but he is four-time club champion at three different clubs in three different countries!

• He won the 1976 Club Championship at Hilton Park in Scotland; the 2009 Club Championship at London Hunt – ending what he calls ‘his 33 year winless streak’ – and also the 2009 and 2011 Club Championships at Kiawah Island in South Carolina.

• In 2006, Doug began his career as a Corporate Director and has served on the Board a number of companies and non profit organizations.  He achieved his Chartered Director designation in 2010. 

• Doug became a Golf Canada volunteer once again in 2006 when the Canadian Women’s Open visited the London Hunt and Country Club – he served as co-chair that year and has been very active with our association ever since. 

• 2010 was a busy year for Doug – he was President of the London Hunt and Country Club, served as the tournament chair for the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at his home club and also took part in the championship as a competitor.  

• In was also in 2010 that Doug was invited to join Golf Canada’s Board of Directors.

• In 2013, he served as Golf Canada’s 1^st Vice-President; was Chair of the Investment and Compensation Committees and also served as a member of the Audit and Risk, Amateur Championships and Professional Championships committees.

• He is currently chairman of the Board of Hydrogenics Corporation and also sits on the board of both Equitable Life Insurance Company and Critical Outcome Technologies. 

• Active in his home community, Doug is also a past chair of the London Health Sciences Centre and a past campaign chair for the United Way of London, Ontaro

• Thanks to Doug’s expertise, leadership and spirit of volunteerism, I step away confident that this fine association is in capable handS

• Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to pass along the Badge of Office and my distinct honour to introduce our 111^th president, Mr. Doug Alexander.