2009 RCGA Annual General Meeting Culminates With Induction of Thomas Mccarthy as the 106th President

Halifax, N.S. (RCGA) – Tom McCarthy of Halifax, N.S. was inducted as the 106th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) during the National Sport Organization’s (NSO) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this weekend in Halifax, N.S.

McCarthy succeeds 2008 president Andrew Cook of Toronto while Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. becomes First Vice-President and Edmonton native Karen Rackel assumes the role of Second Vice-President.

“I am more than privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed the 106th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association,” said McCarthy. “I want to thank the entire RCGA Board of Directors for the trust and confidence they have shown in my leadership and I look forward to great things for the organization in 2009.”

McCarthy’s induction brought to a close the RCGA’s 2009 Annual General Meeting which took place January 14-17 at the Harbourfront Marriott Hotel in Halifax, N.S.

Bob Wong honoured with RCGA Distinguished Service SwardBob Wong of Pictou, N.S. was presented with the RCGA Distinguished Service Award. The award was created in 1993 and presented annually since 1996 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada.

Lois Gilbertson named 2008 RCGA Volunteers of the YearAlso named during this year’s AGM was the recipient of the RCGA Volunteer of the Year Awards. 2008 marked the third year for this initiative that recognizes individuals in the golf community whose tireless efforts and dedication help to grow the game in Canada. Congratulations to Lois Gilbertson of Winfield, Alta. on the much deserved honour.

Wayne Petersen appointed RCGA Honorary Life GovernorCongratulations also go out to Wayne Petersen of Lethbridge, Alta. on being named a Honorary Life Governor by the RCGA. The 2006 president of the RCGA was honoured for his commitment and dedication during his 15 years of service with the organization.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATIONThe Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.