Two Honoured With Induction Into Alberta Golf Hall Of Fame

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Category: Inside Golf

Published: 2017-05-19

By Gord Montgomery (iG)

SUNDRE, AB. — Anyone ensconced in any hall of fame anywhere in the world has done something extraordinary to achieve that status. That point was driven home on May 17 when two men, Les Swelin and Martin Blake, were saluted by the provincial golf body with spots in the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame for their long, outstanding volunteer careers.

Swelin began his service with Alberta Golf in 1989 both as an executive member. He made his mark though especially in the world of junior golf, where his duties ranged from setting up early clinics and camps to coaching provincial teams, including a national single and junior men’s  champions.

As well, he chaired several bodies within the Alberta Golf and eventually became president of the association in 2006.

In a press release, Alberta Golf stated, “Never being one to follow trends, (Les) could always be relied on for formalizing plans that would be beneficial at all levels.”

As to his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame, Swelin said, “When I look at the list of who’s in there, this is special, that’s for sure.”

The other inductee, Martin Blake, was as equally qualified to step into the hallowed halls.

“His eternal source of energy, dedication and goodwill could only come from a deep-rooted passion for the sport that very few in a community ever have,” the press release noted. “Never was there a more loyal, confident gentleman who could inspire those around him to be better.”

Among the accomplishments noted for Blake, who joined the association in 1990, was his knowledge and understanding of the game’s rules leading him into being part of committees at a number of provincial and national competitions. In fact, he knew the parameters of the game so well he eventually became the chair of the Royal Canadian Golf Associations’s Rules Committee.

To top that off, Blake was a referee at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2007 for the President’s Cup matches.

In reviewing what this pair has done for the game in Alberta over the years, Swelin noted that there are others following in their footsteps.

“There is always an evolving volunteer base. There are people that don’t have the experience, yet, but will. I think it will just continue to evolve. It’s a matter of making sure they get the experiences.”

The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame honours the legacies of men and women who have made a difference on the Alberta golf scene either as a skilled player, through  distinguished service, or as a builder. The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and recognizes  notable achievements by honouring those individuals.