In Memory of Nancy Burrow 

                                                                                             July 20, 1931 - January 30, 2022

As many of Nancy’s family and friends will know, she was an avid golfer for much of her life and a long-time member of the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto, located in Thornhill.

In 1924 founder Ada MacKenzie was looking to acquire a piece of land where ladies could find a place to play, as they were not allowed to play on men-only courses. She approached various women she knew to ask if they would join her in the purchase of land. Ada asked Nancy’s mother, Mary Muriel Morton, if she would be a supporter. Mary Muriel agreed to give Ada about $150.00 and was given a stake in the future club. She was not a golfer.

In the late 1950’s Nancy’s mother gave her young married daughter the stake, and Nancy became a member. Nancy’s husband Bill was an avid golfer and enjoyed many a day of golf. As a young mother of three, Nancy used to joke that if she hadn’t taken up golf, she might not have seen Bill much. Through her dietetics work she was able to directly support and contribute to her own access to play.

Long and deep friendships were made on the course, and she loved the community of women who played together, engaged in friendly competition, and took time out from family and work responsibilities in the outdoors.

Eventually winters in Arizona and then Florida meant that she and Bill could play golf year-round. Their move to Ballantrae gave them the pleasure of having a home without the maintenance and therefore more time to be on the course!

After Bill’s passing, Nancy’s membership in the Ladies’ Golf Club sustained her more than ever as she regularly saw her friends, many of whom were also depending upon each other for social connection and physical exercise.

Nancy came from a background with the resources that allowed her to participate and enjoy the game for decades. As a family, we are choosing to suggest a donation to Golf Canada Foundation’s - Women’s and Girl’s Initiatives in Nancy’s memory. Through an initial belief of her mother’s, that Ada Mackenzie had a valid point that golf should be accessible to women, Nancy enjoyed a lifetime passion for the game.

The idea that, in her memory, other girls and women could also be introduced to the game of golf, and enjoy the game, is something we believe she would have felt strongly about. Golf Canada Foundation recognizes the importance of introducing golf to more girls and women across Canada. Under the Women’s Fund, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives that have a long-term impact on growing the game for women. Grants are available to Provincial Golf Associations and other groups or individuals as long as the applications fit the fund criteria to have a significant impact on growing the game for women.

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