Don Ferne Bursary Fund

Don has been a proud member of the Ottawa PGA for 57 years.

He has enjoyed being Head Professional at various clubs including Prescott, Manderley on the Green & Cedarhill G&CC. In 1983 Don and his family purchased Manderley on the Green and expanded his knowledge and skills in the golf industry. Don thoroughly enjoyed handling all aspects of a golf facility. In 2001, he fulfilled a longstanding dream and added an additional 9 holes to Manderley. In 2019 Don sold the club but continues to enjoy playing as often as he can.

Don was President of the Ottawa Zone in 1985 & 1986. In 1998, Don was one of the founding members of the NGCOA. In 2018 Don received the Ottawa PGA Lifetime Achievement award and in 2025 he received the PGA of Canada award for 50 years as an A Class member.

In addition, Don is a devoted family man who believes strongly in philanthropy and has spearheaded and participated in countless charitable events and support for the community. Of special note, he started the Karen Taylor Nursing Bursary, which is now the largest nursing bursary in Canada and many years of devotion to finding a cure for Diabetes. In 2020 he was proud to receive the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteerism.

Don believes strongly that PGA members are the lifeblood of the game of golf. "It is our members who make golf enjoyable for all players". It is important to him that young aspiring assistants continue that mission.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Don Ferne Bursary Fund is to assist, encourage and promote the attainment of professional development and part-time education opportunities to enhance the skills and abilities of PGA of Canada Ottawa Zone Assistant and Apprentice Professionals. It is also there to help Assistant and Apprentice Professionals participate and contribute to local charitable endeavours.

ELIGIBILITY

The Don Ferne Bursary Fund is available to PGA of Canada Ottawa Zone Class A Assistant or Apprentice Professionals in good standing.

FUND POLICIES & CRITERIA

1. Funding is contingent upon an Assistant or Apprentice Professional completing one or more professional development opportunities during the year and participating and/or contributing to local golfing or community charitable events. This bursary is not available for any required educational components of the PGA of Canada pathway to becoming a Class A professional or beyond.

2. The Fund is only valid for the cost of registration/tuition of any professional development opportunities and/or to assist in expenses incurred through charitable causes.

3. Applicants will be judged based on the information provided in their application.

4. For 2026, A maximum amount of $5,000 in funding will be awarded. For 2027 and beyond, each year will be a minimum of $5,000 in funding with a possible increase based on commitment from Don Ferne or other entities approved by Don Ferne.

5. As this is the first year for the bursary, the number and quality of applicants are unknown, and therefore, the number and amount of the $5,000 to be allocated to each recipient shall be determined by the committee. The committee will then set up appropriate numbers for future years, starting in 2027

FUND PROCEDURES

1. Complete, sign and submit the application form to the Ottawa Zone office.

2. Provide receipt of payment or expenses and verification of attendance and certificate of completion.

3. The committee will evaluate the application and approve or deny the request based on the fund policies and criteria.

TIMELINE FOR APPLICATION

2026:

Program Launch – May 1, 2026

Deadline for Applications – July 15, 2026

Committee Review – July 15 – August 15, 2026

Funding Decisions – August 15, 2026

Funding Distribution – August 31, 2026

2027: The following year’s timelines will be approved by the committee and published in the fall