The power of PGA professionals is on full display each year through the Golfathon for ALS. Bill Kelly, who served as the 38th President of the PGA of BC, has been a core part of the initiative since its early stages. Kelly’s commitment to the Golfathon and those living with ALS will always serve as a cherished memory for him and his family who hold a special connection to the event.
In 2005, Scott Fraser was working as Head Professional at Glacier Greens Golf Club. After learning that two of his employees were suffering from a terrible disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Fraser was spurred into action, laying the foundation for the annual PGA of BC Golfathon For ALS. ALS is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow and eventually breathe.
Fraser, now working as a real estate agent, said the two employees, older gentlemen who worked on the driving range and as a course marshal, were diagnosed with the disease within a month of each other. One day, one of the men asked Fraser if he could place a box on the counter to collect spare coins to fundraise for those living with ALS. Fraser wanted to do more to help.
“I said, ‘You know what? Why don’t you meet me in the clubhouse for a coffee and let’s maybe talk about something different.’ So, I sat down with him, and I said, ‘Why don’t I do a Golfathon to raise awareness and help the public see the toll of this disease?’ I lent my time and body out to golf for those that can’t, and that first year I played 288 holes.”
Fraser was joined on the Golfathon in its second year by his friend and successor as Head Professional at Glacier Greens, Bill Kelly.
When Kelly’s wife began experiencing contractions the day before the Golfathon, Kelly was torn. Their midwife arrived and noticed that the baby’s heart was slowing during contractions. They rushed to the hospital, and doctors determined that an emergency C-section was needed. Fortunately, everything worked out.
“Baby Adelaide was born, Mom was in recovery, and all was well. After the C-section my incredible wife gave me the go-ahead to participate in the Golfathon the next day. After sleeping on the hospital floor, it was an early wake up call and off to Crown Isle to participate in the 2007 Golfathon with the Crown Isle and Glacier Greens teams playing together,” said Kelly. “After a long day it was back to the hospital where Mom and baby were doing well. I will never forget that day and can't thank my wife enough for her incredible support while she was in the hospital.”
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To donate to or register as a host facility for the 2023 Golfathon for ALS, please visit golfathonforals.com.
