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Hall of Famers

Hall of Famer

Pat Fletcher

Inducted in 1975

Member Details

Date of Birth: June 18, 1916
Place of Birth: Clacton-on-Sea, England
Date of Passing: July 21, 1985
Sport: Golf
Member Category: Athlete

Career Highlights

1947, 1948, 1951

Won Saskatchewan Open

1952

CPGA title

1952-1955

Member, Hopkins Trophy match teams (now known as World Cup)

1953

Won Rivermead Trophy as low Canadian scorer at the Canadian Open

1954

Canadian Open, the first Canadian to do so since 1914

1962-65

CPGA President

Hall of Famer Pat Fletcher
Sport

Story

A remarkable player, administrator, and teacher, Pat Fletcher left a significant mark on the Canadian golf scene. He won the British Columbia Junior Championships while working as a caddy under Phil Taylor and turned professional in 1936 at the age of 20. He managed a respectable finish as runner-up in his debut performance at the Alberta Open and repeated this feat twice more within the decade. Fletcher moved to Saskatoon in the mid 1940s, and it was here that he achieved his greatest victories. He won the Saskatchewan Open in 1947, 1948, and 1951 and was four times runner-up. In 1952, he claimed the Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) title, and in 1953 he won the Rivermead Trophy as low Canadian scorer at the Canadian Open. In 1954, Fletcher joined the ranks of our nation's finest sporting heroes when he became the first Canadian to win the Canadian Open since 1914. While in Saskatchewan, Fletcher served as club pro and manager at Saskatoon's Golf and Country Club. As an administrator, he was also active in promoting and developing the sport throughout the province. He was instrumental in organizing a free instructional program for interested high school students, and he was a key player in the formation of the Saskatchewan branch of the CPGA. Between 1952 and 1955, Fletcher represented Canada four times at the John Hopkins Trophy matches. These matches were the precursors for the Canada Cup, which is now known as the World Cup. Fletcher spread his talents further east when he became head pro at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in 1955. He continued to win titles on the course, including victories at the Quebec Spring tournament in 1956 and 1957 as well as the Bermuda professional championship in 1957. While in Montreal, Fletcher became the first professional player to hold the post of president of the Quebec Professional Golfer's Association. In 1962, he assumed the role of president of the Canadian Professional Golfer's Association, a position which he held for two years. In this time, Fletcher was instrumental in developing junior and amateur Canadian golf. He played a leading role in the organization of the first Canadian golf merchandising show, as well as in the formation of the first seminars for professional golfers held in Canada. In addition, he worked to revise the bylaws of the CPGA and helped to establish a CPGA pension plane, loss of income plan, and life insurance program. Fletcher also proved to be as influential on the course as a coach as he was in the office as an administrator. His most successful pupils include Bill Mawhinney, who was the 1950 Canadian amateur champion; Judy Darling, who was the CLGA champion in 1960 and 1961; and, Robby Jackson, who won the Canadian junior title in 1972 and 1973.