A seasoned touring professional and teacher, Ian combines a homegrown passion for golf with years of experience and a patient teaching style.... Introducing Ian
A golf player from the age of two, caddy to the pros as a youth, and now a seasoned competitor on the tour himself, Ian combines his homegrown passion for the game and his years of experience, with a patient teaching style that benefits professionals and amateurs alike.
Since turning professional in 1984, Ian has competed on the Canadian and Asian Tours, with starts on the PGA Tour, the Nationwide Tour, as well as tours in Europe and Scotland.
Career Statistics
Early Career
Born and raised in Seaforth (Ontario, Canada), a small farming community 120 miles northwest of Toronto, Ian learned to play golf on the family-owned golf course.
Competing in his first tournament at the age of 10, and qualifying for the PGA Tour as a young caddy in the early 1980’s (the first PGA caddy to achieve this honour), Ian grew up on the golf course and has become known over the years for his talent, his consummate professionalism, and his engaging tales of the Tour.
Ian has celebrated many successes, including 13 professional wins and several other titles, honours and guest appearances.
Professional Golfer and Gifted Teacher
Ian now divides his time between professional play and teaching. In 2008, he founded the Ian Doig Golf Academy in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
An exceptional golf teacher, Ian is recognized by his peers as one of the top teaching professionals in Canada, who has helped to elevate the games of many successful players, both professional and amateur.
With his fiftieth birthday not far off, Ian has found a balance between teaching and playing. This fall, he will attend the Champions Tour Qualifying event, with the goal of attaining full exempt status on the Champions tour in 2012. Ian currently resides in Sharon, Ontario, with his wife, Cathleen.
Mentors and Influencers
Ken Doig
A top Canadian amateur golfer who represented Ontario and Canada, Ian’s father instilled in him a love for the game that lives on today.
Rod Doig
Ian’s uncle instilled in him the fundamentals of the golf swing and Ian constantly goes back to the lessons and conversations he had with his uncle
Moe Norman
A professional golfer and influencer too many, Moe became a compelling part of Ian’s life as Ian was working as a young caddy for his father. Moe was often available to answer questions from Ian, something that Ian still remembers to this day. Any story telling session with Ian is bound to include at least a few Moe moments.
Arnold Palmer
Not only did Ian have the pleasure of working for Mr. Palmer, Ian believes that Mr. Palmer epitomizes the integrity and sportsmanship that is the foundation to the game of golf, something that Ian carries close to his own heart.
Gary Koch
A PGA Tour player and now a golf commentator for NBC, Gary gave Ian his start as a caddie on the PGA Tour in 1980 and was a major influence and supporter of Ian in his quest to become a professional golfer.
Bob Panisuk
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Member and a frequent practice round companion while playing on the Canadian Tour, Bob and Ian have built a lasting friendship that includes weekly conversations which help Ian in his pursuit of playing on the PGA Champions Tour.
All Golfers
Many of the best players in the world have influenced Ian through their actions, both positive and negative. While caddying and playing with them, Ian has learned a great deal about the game of golf and the professionalism involved in being a member of the PGA.
Career Summary
13 Professional Wins
2009 – Great Lakes Tour Match Play Championship
2008 – Barack Gold Skins Game Champion
2004 – Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship
2003 – Ontario PGA Championship
2000 – Ontario PGA Callaway Championship
1994 – Silver Oaks Open, Florida – Champion
1988 – 2 Canadian PGA Winter Tour Event Wins
1986 – Ontario PGA Championship
1984 – 85 – 87 – Gosling’s Invitational Champion, Bermuda
1985 – Florida Classic Champion
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
1986 – Ontario PGA Player of the Year
2006 – Columnist – Fairways Golf Magazine
2000 – Guest Golf Analyst – The FAN 590 Sports Radio
1994 – Canadian PGA Winter Tour Leading Money Winner
1984 – First PGA Tour caddie to play in a PGA Tour event – 1984 Buick Open
1989 – 90 – 91 – Top 50 on Asian Tour Order of Merit
2003 – 04 – 05 – 09 – 10 – Member of Ontario Titleist Cup Team
PERSONAL NOTES
- Participant in various charity golf events.
- Supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as charities in support of children and animal welfare.
- Member of the Sharon Hope United Church.
- Die hard Maple Leafs fan.
- Avid reader and book lover. One of Ian’s favorite’s: Golf’s Sacred Journey—Seven Days at the Links of Utopia.
Ian’s Philosophy
When it comes to playing the game of golf, Ian’s philosophy is simple – enjoy the game. When he was young, Ian’s dream was to play golf professionally, and he has lived that dream for 25 years. The one message he wants to give to all aspiring touring professionals is that if you have the dream to play, do your best to follow that dream. In Ian’s opinion, many club golfers do not enjoy the game as much as they could because they have expectations that are not in line with their playing ability.
Also fundamental to Ian’s belief is that it is every golfer’s responsibility to protect the integrity, sportsmanship, and deep history of the game that has become his life work and passion.