The PGA of Canada will induct three long-serving members into its Hall of Fame Thursday evening during Canada Night at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.
Dick Borthwick, Jack Bissegger, and Adrien Bigras were all PGA of Canada members for over 50 years.
All are being inducted posthumously.
“Dick, Jack and Adrien excuberated a deep passion for golf and we are very excited to honour them with well-deserved spots in our Hall of Fame,” said PGA of Canada president Gord Percy.
“Each of these three men worked throughout their entire lives to grow the game. The association is revered today because of the efforts of members like Dick, Jack and Adrien,” said Percy.
Dick Borthwick
Borthwick was a PGA of Canada member from 1927-78 and engaged in many philanthropic efforts throughout his career, which included stints at Oakdale and Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
He was also the PGA of Canada’s president from 1960-61.
Beginning in 1971, the Dick Borthwick Memorial Charity Golf Tournament is still conducted annually and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The event has been so successful that it has raised $3-million dollars for local Hamilton charities.
His son, Bob, is attending Canada Night to accept the honour.
Jack Bissegger
Bissegger was a member of the association for 57 years, with over 40 of those years spent at Club de Golf La Vallée du Richelieu. He was also a member of the PGA of Quebec board of directors for nine years
Bissegger always had time for juniors learning the game, running a summer camp for two months each summer. Despite how busy he was at the club, the Golf Quebec Hall of Fame member won more than 75 events in his life.
One of his sons, Thomas, is attending Canada Night to accept the honour.
Adrien Bigras
Bigras, who is a member of both the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame and the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame, was a PGA of Canada member for 59 years, serving as an assistant professional at the Cardinal Golf Club and at Golf Malborough, before he became head professional for 11 years at the Rosemère Golf Club.
He later became owner of the Manoir Golf Club.
Bigras was always helpful and ready to attend fundraising events.
Over the years, his achievements include six victories at the Spring Open, seven at the Québec Senior Championship, playing 12 times in the Canadian Open and a victory at the 1965 Québec Open.
He also participated in the 1962 U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pa.
One of his long-time colleagues, Gilles Gareau, is attending Canada Night to accept the honour.
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