Dave Mills has been a giant for decades in the golf industry, and for golf in Ontario in particular, thanks to his contributions to advance golf across the province. This year, Golf Ontario is pleased to award two deserving junior golfers with a scholarship in honour of Dave.
Mills was heavily involved with the Golf Association of Ontario – now known as Golf Ontario – since 1986. He served on the board of directors from 1989-1997, before stepping down from the board and taking over as executive director in 1997.
He is responsible for turning the association from one experiencing financial and administrative challenges, to one of the largest and most successful golf associations in the world.
The passion and contributions Mills brought to Ontario golf has led to the Dave Mills Scholarship being established.
“I can’t count how many times people came up to me and expressed their sincere gratitude for what my dad did for them,” said Dave’s son, Jon Mills, Kent State University’s head men’s golf coach. “He seemed to impact so many people in different ways. He would do anything to help a young player out while at the same time teach them how to be respectful of the game.”
He also led the process to establish the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and helped to have golf recognized as an “Official Sport” by Sport Ontario/Sport Canada.
Dave had a great love of the game and cherished every moment he played with his wife, family and friends.
Mills’ sons, Jeff and Jon, are using the 1000 Ball Challenge to grow the fund for the scholarship and to ensure his legacy and impact is felt for many generations to come.
“I heard about the 1000 Ball Challenge through a great friend Craig Loughry,” Jon said. “Wanting to honour my dad to continue giving to his scholarship to help the next generation of junior golfers in Canada.”
Their goal is to reach $20,000 by the end of the season, all of it will be put into further funding for the Dave Mills Scholarship. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Visit the Mills brothers’ 1000 Ball Challenge page to make a donation.
For more information on the Dave Mills Scholarship Fund, please contact Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca.
Jeff Mills’ pledge page: www.1000ball.ca/jeff-mills
Jon Mills’ pledge page: https://www.1000ball.ca/jonathan-mills
