2025 Dave Ellis Pro-Am Tournament

This year marks the 39th Anniversary of the Dave Ellis Pro-Am. 

This tournament is one of the longest-running Pro-Am competitions in Canada and is played on one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious golf courses. We are so grateful to The Board of Directors of Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club (MLG&CC) for their generosity in donating the club for the first 37 years of the event.  

Dave was born in Bracebridge and was extremely proud of his Muskoka heritage. His wife Lynne, along with their three daughters and their husbands, as well as six grandchildren and one great grandchild continue to live within the community and are active supporters of our tournament.

Dave died at 46, but had earned a reputation as a competitive curler, avid hockey player and an outstanding Golf Ambassador. He was associated with MLG&CC for over 23 years, the last 14 years as the head professional, while being recognized throughout the community for his skillful talents, natural teaching abilities and passion for attracting and encouraging people to the game of golf.

Dave was also a mentor who introduced several aspiring young golfers to professional golfing careers.

The Pro-Am tournament was established in 1987 to remember the life and legacy of one of Muskoka’s best-known sporting figures. His close friends Bill Ferguson, Richard Wallace, Lynn McBride and the late John Hastings, together with MLG&CC, decided to establish an annual fundraising tournament. The golf club and its members generously provided their facilities and golf course to host this special tournament, while partnering with the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation to become a beneficiary of the fundraising activities.

Our special tournament has achieved outstanding success and over the years has donated over $780,000 to our local hospital. This has assisted with the acquisition of modern, sophisticated medical equipment to provide up-to-date healthcare services throughout the community.

There are about 45 donors, with the majority being long time supporters, approximately 50% of the team golf professionals have over 10 years tenure, while about 25 amateurs have each logged over 25 years.

We are extremely proud of our community tournament and welcome everyone to our annual “golfing family” competition.