The PGA of Canada is thrilled to induct three individuals into its Hall of Fame, one of the highest honours in Canadian golf.
Ron Laugher (Club Pro)
Ron Laugher’s journey to the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame began with an unlikely turning point—a casual conversation during a rain delay at a Florida golf tournament that would ultimately lead him from Ontario to Alberta, and into one of the most influential careers in Canadian golf. More than 40 years later, his legacy as a player, mentor, leader, and ambassador stands as one of the most impactful in the history of the PGA of Canada.
After graduating from McMaster University in 1977, Laugher entered the golf industry as an Apprentice Professional at St. Catharines Golf Club, guided early by Bruce Murray, who shaped his game and his approach to the profession. A chance meeting with Al Ewen in Florida, then the pro at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, opened an unexpected door: an invitation to move to Alberta. Laugher accepted—and never looked back.
His professional path took him first to Calgary Golf & Country Club, then to The Winston Golf Club (formerly Calgary Elks), before he found his longtime home as Head Professional at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, a role he held with distinction from 1988 to 2022. While there, he served as Head Professional during three LPGA Tour events (1999, 2009, and 2016), each a reflection of his meticulous preparation and unwavering professionalism. His influence at Priddis Greens extended far beyond operations: more than 30 Assistant Professionals who worked under him have gone on to become Head Professionals—an extraordinary testament to his mentorship.
A formidable competitor, Laugher amassed over 50 professional tournament victories, including 33 individual and 22 team events. He captured the 1987 PGA of Alberta Championship, the 1984 Alberta Match Play title, and represented Alberta seven times at the Canadian Club Professional Championship. He was honoured six times as the PGA of Alberta Club Professional of the Year and received the national Murray Tucker Club Professional of the Year award in 2006.
Laugher’s leadership within the PGA of Alberta has been equally profound. He served as President from 1989–1990, sat on the Board of Directors from 1984–1992, and has continued to guide the association as a trusted Advisor ever since. His calm leadership and financial stewardship helped strengthen the association during pivotal moments, and he was often the voice of reason in times of debate or transition.
Dedicated to growing the game, he spearheaded junior programs, hosted national championships, contributed to committees at both amateur and professional levels, and donated countless hours to clinics and camps. His passion for teaching, mentorship, and service has left an enduring mark across Alberta and beyond.
Earlier this fall, Ron was honoured with the PGA of Alberta’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the betterment of golf in the province.
Ron Laugher embodies the very essence of the PGA of Canada—professionalism, integrity, mentorship, leadership, and a lifelong love of the game. His induction into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame honours not only a remarkable career, but a legacy that will continue to shape Canadian golf for generations.
Peter Semko (Builder) (posthumously)
Peter Semko truly did it all in the golf industry. Over the course of his remarkable life in golf, he served as a caddy, golf professional, administrator, instructor, golf course architect and developer, and eventually a golf course owner. His influence on the Canadian golf landscape is profound, and his mentorship helped guide the careers of countless PGA professionals who continue to carry forward his legacy today.
Before finding his permanent home in golf, Semko excelled as a hockey player, skating for the Saskatoon Westleys, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, and even attending training camp with the Detroit Red Wings. Yet it was at the golf course where his passion and purpose truly aligned.
His journey in the sport began at just 11 years old in the back shop of the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, first as a caddy and eventually as assistant professional under his mentor, the legendary Pat Fletcher. The pair later worked together at Royal Montreal Golf Club before Semko returned to Saskatoon to accept the head professional position at Holiday Park Golf Course in 1961. There, he played a pivotal role in the concept, design, and construction of the facility’s Executive Nine, a project that helped modernize public golf in the region.
Semko’s leadership extended far beyond the tee deck. He became the City of Saskatoon’s supervisor of golf courses while continuing his duties as Head Professional. At the Association level, he dedicated six years of service as president of the PGA of Saskatchewan and later served as Vice-President of the PGA of Canada. Peter was instrumental in bringing the PGA Championship of Canada to the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in 1971 — a historic first for the province.
A visionary builder, Semko contributed to numerous golf course designs and construction projects throughout the province. His boldest venture came in 1979 when he took what he described as a “leap of faith” in building Greenbryre Country Club. The course became a cornerstone of golf in Saskatoon, and Semko remained at its helm for 28 years until his retirement in 2007.
Semko’s exceptional contributions earned him wide recognition in his later years, including induction into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Saskatchewan PGA, along with lifetime memberships in both the PGA of Canada and the Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association — honours befitting a man whose work elevated every facet of the game.
Peter Semko passed away on April 23, 2023 at the age of 89.
Golf Saskatchewan published an interview celebrating Peter in 2021.
Bob Breen (Player) (posthumously)
Born in Guelph, Ont. in 1939 and raised in Brampton, Breen quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He captured the Ontario PGA Hunt Trophy as a junior, a title he would remarkably win three additional times as a senior. Turning professional in 1960, Breen went on to craft one of the most decorated competitive and professional careers in Canadian golf history.
Breen amassed 15 PGA of Ontario Championship wins, three wins on the Canadian Tour, and competed in the Canadian Open on 10 occasions. His playing career took him across the globe; through the American Tour, where he won the Bahamas International; the Florida Tour, where he collected four victories; the South American Tour; and into appearances on the PGA Tour.
His dominance continued well into his senior years. Breen captured 17 various Ontario Senior titles, the PGA of Canada Super Senior Championship in 2001, 2005 and 2007, and secured the 2010 Canadian Diamond Division Championship. He also competed in two USGA Senior U.S. Opens, further cementing his place among the country’s elite golfers.
Beyond his individual achievements, Breen was a respected and valued team member. He represented Ontario 23 times in the Ontario/Quebec Titleist Cup Matches and was a 10-time member of the Bobby Orr Nabisco Team, an indication of both his skill and enduring consistency.
Breen’s contributions to the game stretched far beyond tournament results. Beginning his professional career in 1961 as an Assistant Professional at Kleinburg GC and Pine Valley GC (now The National), he went on to serve as Head Professional at several prominent facilities, including Malton GC (now Castlemore), Glen Abbey GC, Erin Heights GC and Derrydale GC. His leadership, mentorship and commitment to the growth of the game left a profound impact on generations of golfers and professionals alike.
At the time of his passing in August 2014, Breen was serving as an ambassador and Teaching Professional at both Brampton GC and Mississauga GC.
Breen’s storied career has previously been recognized with his inductions into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2015) and the PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame (2020). His induction into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame marks the fitting culmination of a lifetime spent elevating the sport on every stage.
