Les Swelin – 2017 Alberta Golf Hall of Fame inductee with his family 

Anna Sewell said, “It’s good people who make good places.” Martin Blake and Les Swelin made that clear as they were recognized as pillars in the Alberta Golf community. With their trademark modesty, they both accepted their Hall of Fame awards amongst a gathering of friends, family and industry partners last night at the 2017 Season Launch in Sundre, AB.

Both Blake and Swelin were emotional thanking and recognizing all the people in their lives that supported them up to that moment. A long pause of warmth and kindness were felt as Blake spoke of his wife Norma. While Swelin’s memories within the organization had the whole room chuckling with both highlights and humorous lowlights of times past.

Sandra Craig, a past Alberta Golf president, spoke of Blake’s charisma and how he demonstrated all of the key competencies of a great volunteer, leader and rules official. Dunc Mills, long-term volunteer and friend of Swelin, told the story of a man who was so determined and involved within the game that he had once set out to build his own putting green at his home club.

These two inductees have helped, and continue to help, shape the organization. An entire new generation of volunteers have been impacted by their mentorship and leadership. Last night was a well-deserved celebration of their accomplishments and the people they’ve impacted throughout their lives. Thank you from all of us within the Alberta Golf community.