Inside Golf House

Canadian golf community mourns the passing of golf journalist Ian Hutchinson

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Arnold Palmer and Ian Hutchinson in 2004 (Bernard Brault/ Golf Canada)
Golf Canada

Golf Canada joins the Canadian golf community in extending our deepest respect and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of golf writer and industry contributor Ian Hutchinson of Newmarket, Ont. on the news of his sudden passing.

Hutch had a meaningful impact over four decades chronicling the game of golf for a variety of outlets and trade publications during his respected career as a reporter and columnist.

In 2020, his contributions to Canadian golf were celebrated as a proud recipient of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. He was also honoured by the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame in 2017 as a recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award. 

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Golf canada president Charlie Beaulieu and Ian Hutchinson at golf canada’s 2020 annual meeting
(Tyler Costigan/ Golf Canada)

In 2008, Hutch reinvented himself in the digital space when he founded Golf News Now, a Canadian website and daily newsletter devoted to covering the golf industry. With GNN, he had become a trusted voice in the Canadian golf industry with daily insights and reporting on all facets of the game.

Hutch’s career began in 1978, covering a multitude of sports including golf for community newspapers including the Newmarket Era, Mississauga Times, and Mississauga News before moving on to become an associate editor at MVP, Canada’s national sports magazine at the time.

He also covered the NHL, CFL, NFL and MLB, before transitioning into full-time golf as an editor with ScoreGolf Magazine. Hutch would go to become managing editor of World of Women’s Golf Magazine before beginning a 14-year run as golf columnist for the Toronto Sun and other Sun Media newspapers.

Over a distinguished media career, Hutch contributed to various Canadian and US golf publications as an editor or writer including Pro Shop Magazine, Ontario Golf Magazine, Golf Scene Magazine, and Golf Canada Magazine in addition to writing for Golf Channel’s website.

He was also a long-time supporter of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, both as a frequent nominator as well a recent contributing member to the CGHF Selection Committee.

Hutch will be remembered and celebrated a tremendous contributor, storyteller, and supporter of Canadian golf.

A Celebration Of Life is planned for Monday, May 15 from 1pm – 4pm at Woodington lake Golf Course in Tottenham, Ont.