Stephen Ross to Step Down as RCGA Executive Director

[SteveWillHicks]

As seen on www.rcga.ca

NEWS RELEASES

3/9/2007

STEPHEN ROSS TO STEP DOWN AS RCGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Stephen Ross will be stepping down as the Association’s Executive Director.

Ross’s departure from Canadian golf’s governing body follows over 30 years of dedicated service with the RCGA including the past 18 as Executive Director.

The decision was made following a recent meeting with members of the RCGA’s Executive Committee, after which it was recommended by the Committee and mutually agreed upon by Ross that he steps down as Executive Director.

“The RCGA has been my passion for so many years but I just felt that at this stage in my life and my family’s life that it was time for me to step aside, said Ross. “It has been an honour to be a part of this wonderful organization over the past 30 years and as such, I’ve tried to always represent myself in keeping with the integrity and tradition that is the RCGA. As the association continues to grow and I look ahead to my own future endeavors, it gives me great pride in knowing that I’ve played a role in helping to shape the future of golf in Canada.”

In guiding the RCGA over the past 18 years, Ross helped elevate the association to great heights in the Canadian golf industry while raising the association’s profile on both the national and international stage. He played a significant role in the growth of the Canadian Open while helping to architect the RCGA’s 1999 sale of Glen Abbey Golf Course, the longtime host venue for the Canadian Open. Prior to becoming the Association’s Executive Director in 1988, Ross worked as Director of Amateur Competitions as well as Director of Rules and Amateur Status. One of world’s foremost experts on the Rules of Golf, Ross was also instrumental in creating the RCGA’s Rules of Golf certification program. During his tenure, the association underwent incredible growth as he helped to create such programs and services as the Player Development Program, the RCGA Foundation, and CN Future Links, Canada’s junior golf program in partnership with the Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) and the provincial golf associations. In 2005, Ross was a driving force behind the RCGA’s historic amalgamation with the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA).

“While we understand that change plays a significant role in any successful organization, I can say whole-heartedly that it is difficult to see Stephen leave the RCGA,” said RCGA President Garry West. “His passion for golf and tireless commitment in both leading the RCGA and helping to grow the game in this country is unparalleled. As we prepare to embark on the next chapter of the RCGA’s storied history, we thank Stephen for his many contributions and wish him the best of success in his future endeavors.”

Ross will assist the RCGA in its transition to new leadership. Rick Desrochers, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director Championship Division has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will take over the RCGA’s leadership and assist the Executive Committee in the search for a new Executive Director, which will begin immediately.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1650 clubs across the country. Some of the RCGA’s core services include the Rules of Golf, handicapping and course rating, support of turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while six regional junior championships, 10 national amateur championships and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour showcase the best of Canadian golf. For more information please visit www.rcga.org.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anthony Alfred
Director, Media and Public Relations
Royal Canadian Golf Association
Office: 1.800.263.0009 ext. 227
Mobile: 416.819.0286
Email: [email protected]


Dan Pino
Manager, Media and Public Relations
Royal Canadian Golf Association
Office: 1.800.263.0009 ext. 406
Mobile: 416.434.5525
Email: [email protected]

[BogeyTrain]

I am reading this and I fail to see the significance of this thread, Ross's contribution, or the RCGA?

[thorsness]

I am reading this and I fail to see the significance of this thread, Ross's contribution, or the RCGA?

 

Maybe cause this is the Golf Talk section. Personally, I would consider this golf talk.

[SteveWillHicks]

more importantly...he was the face of the organization that runs all of Canadian Golf. If someone stepped down from the USGA after 18 years of reforming that particular organization and as well merging with another major golf organizational body... it'd be significant....

 

I apologize to anybody who thought this was offensive and a waste of their time... This is important to me, and I thought it was important to share. Oh well

[MAJYk]

Stephen Ross was actually fired...His past plus his history of burning bridges and his inability to find a title sponsor for this years Canadian Open were just the last straw. As a businessman he truly did grow the game in Canada but I trhink it was finally just a matter of time before a big "shake up" at the top happened.

[SteveWillHicks]

fired = asked to step down... yea it finally reached a boiling point this year, i guess they wanted him out before the season really kicks into high gear

[phatchrisrules]

I've had some personal dealings with the man and let me just say, I will not be holding any fundraisers for him. On the other hand, both his boys are stand up guys and very fine players.

 

**This is actually RGK5, PhatChrisrule's Dad posting this information. We use the same computer, email and ISP.**

[DOUGLY]

The CPGA Championship is also being "suspended" this season. Again.

They need someone to come in and save the RCGA.

[SteveWillHicks]

The CPGA Championship is run by the CPGA, not the RCGA...so complain to your local pro... the problem is that they want it to be a nationwide tour event, and that's not going to happen until they (the CPGA) find a title sponsor... this event would fit very well in the Canadian Tour schedule, but the CPGA doesn't seem to want to host its event on the Canadian Tour. So, not the RCGA's fault.