One of the world’s best golfers is based in Calgary.
Unlike team-sport athletes, PGA Tour golfers such as Stephen Ames are independent business people, working the tournaments they choose and paying their expenses out of winnings.
None of Alberta’s other gifted golf professionals have qualified for the exclusive PGA Tour. They play lesser events and some find themselves having to supplement tour income by teaching, working as golf-course pros or promoting sponsor merchandise.
This does not apply to Ames, who makes a living from golf winnings alone.
A major reason for Ames living here is that his wife Jodi is a Calgarian. He also enjoys the relaxed lifestyle.
Alberta’s cold climate appears tailored to hinder a golf career. After all, our weather is what drives so many of Alberta’s promising young golfers south, or at least toward the warmer regions of Canada, where a
backyard can double as a putting green.
But Ames, 38 and a native of Trinidad and Tobago, has made Calgary his home for several years now, has two young sons and is thriving on the tour.
This year alone he has pocketed $1.27 million US in official PGA earnings, placing him 41st on the money list for 2002.
* Address: IMG Management (Toronto)
* Website: www.pgatour.com/players/stats/6004.html
