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Golf Management Institute of Canada
Celebrates 25 years of Academic Excellence
October 29, 2024 (Oakville, Ontario) – October 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Golf Management Institute of Canada (GMIC).
It was in October 1999 when the GMIC launched its first online course in HR Management for 13 students from across Canada. Since then, the GMIC has delivered its courses, both online and in-class, to thousands of students around the world and been recognized for its online training excellence by the Canadian Society for Training and Development.
“It’s hard to believe the GMIC is 25 years old,” says founder and president Grant Fraser. “From day one, the GMIC’s objective was to deliver excellence in golf management education. I am proud of the work the GMIC has done in training the next generation of golf managers and leaders.”
Warren Crosbie, Chair of the GMIC board of directors, is one of many leaders in Canadian golf who helped shape the direction of the GMIC and its programs.
“Twenty-five years ago, Grant Fraser’s vision of establishing an online educational platform for the golf industry became a reality. Supported by the golf industry’s leading professionals, national and provincial associations and Canadian college and universities, the GMIC made a significant impact on our industry by continually delivering quality education. Truly a remarkable moment celebrating 25 years of making our industry and the game better for those that work in the business and play the game. Congratulations!”
In addition to Warren Crosbie, other golf and business leaders who have served as a GMIC board member include Dean Baker, Ian Chan, Vito Cirone, Ken Cousineau, Anne Edgar, Chuck Fitzpatrick, Mac Frost, Dick Grimm, Susan Hodkinson, Steve Johnson, David Kaufman, Keith Keindel, Bob Lees, Keith McIntyre, Joe Murphy, Ian Scott, and Kevin Thistle.
As well as offering its own online proprietary program in golf operations management, the GMIC established a variety of unique academic partnerships with Georgian College, Niagara College, the University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University and, most recently, McMaster University. In each partnership, GMIC curriculum and faculty were used as part of online and in-class golf management programs offered at the post- secondary level.
Over the years, the GMIC also established corporate and golf industry partnerships with Burnside & Associates, ClubLink Corporation, Global Golf Advisors, Golf Ontario, the John Dobson Foundation, The PGA of Canada, and PING Canada, all of whom generously provided their support to the GMIC for online course development and the GMIC’s Student Excellence Student Scholarship Program.
One of the GMIC’s most significant partnerships was with the PGA of Canada. In 2010, the GMIC was retained by the PGA of Canada to design and develop five modules as part of their new Candidate Training Program with a specific mandate to provide independent learning opportunities for aspiring golf professionals.
Today, there are numerous successful GMIC students working in various management positions across Canada and around the world. One such example is Scott MacLeod from Kingston, Ontario, a distinguished GMIC graduate, who works as the managing editor for Flagstick Magazine and Ontario Golf News.
“I am proud to be a GMIC graduate. The program, from start to finish, was a great experience for me. It has proven valuable to me in my various golf industry roles; not just the knowledge but the connections made with the people involved, students and staff alike. I continue to come across other graduates regularly, showing the program’s wide impact in twenty-five years. Congratulations to all involved in this milestone.”
In April 2017, the GMIC entered its most recent phase in online golf management education. After a long and successful partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, the GMIC’s 10-course online program was acquired by McMaster University’s Centre for Continuing Education.
“I am delighted that we have been able to offer this unique program since 2017, says Lorraine Carter, Director of McMaster University’s Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). Through this partnership, resort management and golf education has reached 100’s of professionals, each one making an impact and transforming the industry. Last, as the GMIC celebrates its 25th anniversary, congratulations on a job well done. You have made a significant difference in the industry.”
“What was always an excellent program is now even better given the resources McMaster has dedicated to it. I am pleased that all of the work that was started 25 years ago by the GMIC’s board members, industry partners and outstanding faculty will continue with McMaster University”, says Fraser.
Students who complete the online program at McMaster CCE will receive a diploma in Golf & Resort Management from McMaster University and a Certificate of Recognition from the GMIC.
For more information about the program, visit www.mcmaster.ca/