The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Leaving the greens of Europe in 2005, one Canadian professional golfer has made his way to Flin Flon. Signed as the new golf pro and general manager of the Phantom Lake Golf Course, John Irwin comes to the area with plenty of experience on the course, and off. Originally from Charlottetown, PEI, Irwin has been in the golf business for 45 years. He arrived in Flin Flon in early April. With one full month under his belt, Irwin says the next few years will be a challenge, but he's ready for it. Flin Flon became an option as Irwin was looking for a seasonal golf club. Though he's been in the business for over four decades, Irwin says retirement time isn't here yet. "I was ready for a new challenge and I figured I had a few more years left in me," said Irwin. The Maritime native signed a two-year contract with the local club. With the golf course doors expected to open earlier this week, Irwin planned to roll with the punches for the first season. He has a few changes in mind, as he says the club "is treading on thin ice." Once a golf pro in Winnipeg, Irwin said he enjoys the people of Manitoba as they remind him of home. Though he's seen the greens, the insides of offices and plenty of hotel rooms, Irwin says aside from playing, he enjoys the managing side of the business. "I've done this before," said Irwin, pointing out that he was the pro and manager at a Summerside, PEI, course as well. "This club," he said, "is going to be a challenge. This club has been treading on thin ice. "Hopefully, we can turn things around." As the season was just opening this week, Irwin said the club already had between 125 and 150 members registered. With no incentive to register early this year, Irwin says he still expects to see 450 members, as that's an average number for the club. Starting Out Beginning at the age of 14, when he told his mother he wanted to be a professional golfer, Irwin learned a lot from the pro in his hometown. With support from his mom, Irwin set out to make is dream come true. The athlete made a name for himself as an assistant golf professional at different courses, as well as a professional, general manager and of course, a golfer. Along with touring in Europe, Irwin was affiliated with a number of associations. He is a member of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association and was on the board of the Ontario Professional Golfers Association. He also served as president and director of the Atlantic Professional Golfers Association. Irwin's resume features 42 professional accomplishments, some of which include winning the CPGA Senior Professional Championship/ Super Senior Division 2009, the Catamount Open 2005-2007 and the Ping Canadian Club Professional Championship 1998.11/5/11
