Bill Wakeham (2009)

Like many aspiring pro golfers, Bill Wakeham first hit the heights in the amateur ranks, representing Canada in such competitions as the World Amateur Cup, Commonwealth Competition and Americas Cup. After collecting more than 20 amateur titles, it was inevitable that he would turn pro; the only question was when. He got his answer in 1964 at age 23, when he aced the 12th hole at the Vancouver Golf Club during the B.C. Open. At first he declined the hole-in-one prize of a boat, but he had second thoughts and accepted, thus launching a professional career that continues to this day. Wakeham grinded it out on golf's touring trail for nearly seven years before accepting his first head pro job at the Cowichan course. He continued to play tournaments, however, and ultimately eclipsed the 50-win mark as a pro. His best year was 1974, when he had five wins. After years as an Associate and Teaching professional, one of the game's great promoters holds court today as head pro at the Royal Oak Golf Club.