Dan Halldorson, one of Canada’s best-known golfers who played on the PGA Tour for several years, died after suffering what was described as a major stroke at his home in Cambridge, Ill. He was 63.
Halldorson, a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, claimed his only PGA Tour victory in the 1980 Pensacola Open and won seven times on the Canadian Tour. He also helped Team Canada win the World Cup of Golf in 1980 and 1985.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Dan Halldorson, whose lifetime of achievements in Canadian golf both as a player and a builder of what is now the Mackenzie Tour rank him among the greatest contributors to the game in the country’s history,” President Jeff Monday of PGA Tour Canada said in a statement.
” … His contributions to professional golf in Canada, however, go beyond his playing days, including a major role in the creation and later administration as Deputy Director of the Mackenzie Tour. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Halldorson, who also played briefly on the Champions Tour, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was raised in Brandon. He turned pro in 1971 and his first pro victory came in the 1971 Manitoba PGA Championship.
Halldorson was selected Canada’s professional golfer of the year in 1981 and 1983.
In 2013, he became director of golf at Oak Island Resort in Virden, Manitoba, where we spent the summer months.
Mike Weir, winner of the 2003 Masters and the only Canadian man to win one of golf’s majors, posted this on Twitter: “Thoughts & prayers w/the Halldorson family! Sad news as Dan passed away last night! As genuine a man in professional golf & mentor to many!”
Halldorson is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Angela, son Mark, and three grandchildren.
