Al Balding’s love of golf began during his time as a caddy at Islington golf Club, during his early school years. After returning from enlistment in the Canadian Army, Al started to take a more serious interest in the game. In 1950 he turned pro and was coached along by Les Franks.

Al joined the PGA Tour in 1952, and went on to become the first Canadian to win a Tour event – the 1955 Mayfair Open in Florida.

Altogether, Al has won four PGA Tour tournaments, and was a four time winner of the Miller Trophy, emblematic of the Canadian Match Play Championship. However, his greatest achievement came in 1968, while teamed with George Knudsen in Rome, winning the world cup championship as well as the individual championship.

Chosen as Canadian Athlete of the year in 1955 and 1957, Al has also been elected to Canada Sports Hall of Fame in 1968 and was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1985.