Grant Fraser (BBA ’87) Recognized for Leadership in Golf Education and Industry Development

On May 7, Grant Fraser was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Builder category, recognizing a career that has contributed significantly to golf education and industry development in Canada.

A proud Laurier alum, Fraser graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1987. During his four years at Laurier, he was a student-athlete playing on three different varisty teams (soccer, football and squash). He went on to combine the knowledge and skills he developed at Laurier with his lifelong passion for golf, carving out a unique and lasting role in the industry. In 1995, Fraser launched Ontario’s first Professional Golf Management (PGM) program at Humber College, helping to shape formal education pathways for careers in the golf sector. Three years later he was named Innovator of the Year by the college.

“I look back with many fond memories of my years at Laurier. In addition to being in the business program, I was fortunate to have played on several varsity teams during my four years,” says Fraser. “Being a busy student-athlete taught me many valuable life and business skills including team building and time management, both of which I have relied on throughout my career.”

In 1999, Fraser founded the Golf Management Institute of Canada (GMIC), the country’s first and only online golf operations program. Designed to broaden access to golf management education, the GMIC has partnered with several academic institutions over the years, including Laurier, Niagara College and the University of Guelph.

Fraser’s work in the education space has continued to evolve. The GMIC is now offered in partnership with McMaster University’s Centre for Continuing Education and remains the only online golf management program delivered by a Canadian university. Fraser received McMaster’s Appreciation and Exceptional Service Award in 2018 in recognition of his contributions.

In addition to his work in education, Fraser is an award winning golf writer and photographer, course ranker, and has served in leadership and volunteer roles for numerous golf organizations. He is currently working with Golf Canada as the Manager, Home for Canadian Golf, where he is involved in the construction and relocation of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the organization’s new national headquarters at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Fraser was named an Honorary Director of the PGA of Canada in 2019. His programs and initiatives continue to support and prepare a new generation of professionals across Canada’s golf industry.