In 2026, the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame welcomed two new inductees into the Distinguished Service Award category. Ernie Afaganis and John Down made history as the first members of the media to receive this honour, recognizing their significant contributions to golf and sports coverage across Alberta.
The pair were celebrated earlier this week at an induction dinner held at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honour their remarkable careers and lasting impact on the game.
The Evening’s Recap
The evening began with opening remarks and a year-in-review address from Alberta Golf’s president, highlighting several standout achievements from across the province in 2026.
Among the year’s highlights was Alberta’s Junior Boys team capturing the interprovincial title in August. Tobias Buffam also enjoyed an outstanding season, completing what was dubbed the “Am Slam” by winning the Alberta Men’s Amateur, earning Low Amateur honours at the Alberta Open, and finishing as the top-ranked Albertan at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, where he placed runner-up. Meanwhile, Eileen Park made headlines with her victory at the PGA of Canada Women’s Championship at just 16 years of age.
The evening also recognized several Alberta golf facilities celebrating significant anniversaries in 2026. Canmore Golf & Curling Club marked its 100th anniversary, Riverside Golf Club in Edmonton celebrated 75 years, and Redwood Meadows commemorated its 50th year.
The program continued with the presentation of Alberta Golf’s Volunteer of the Year Award to Rick Nowosad, a Calgary-based course rater whose volunteer contributions to the organization have spanned more than a decade.
The evening concluded with the induction of Down and Afaganis into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame. Surrounded by family members and loved ones, both inductees were celebrated for their lasting contributions to the sport.
Down was inducted first, with his introduction delivered by his son-in-law, who also shared professional connections with Down throughout his career as a former co-worker, employee, and boss. Afaganis’s induction followed. Although the legendary broadcaster was unable to attend the ceremony, his family was well represented, and his nephew, a fellow broadcaster, delivered an acceptance speech on his behalf.
More About John Down
John Down began his journalism career in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before returning to Alberta in 1972 to become sports editor of the Edmonton Journal. He later joined the Calgary Sun and Calgary Herald, serving as both a sports editor and journalist during his time with the publications.
Throughout his career, Down became well known for his extensive coverage of chuckwagon racing and golf. His distinguished contributions to sports journalism have earned him recognition in several halls of fame, including the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, the Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame in 2026, and now the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.
A passionate advocate for amateur sport, Down believed amateur athletes deserved meaningful coverage and recognition alongside their professional counterparts. That philosophy was reflected in his work and, in particular, through the BackSwing section of the Calgary Sun. The feature provided comprehensive coverage of Alberta’s golf community, including amateur competition, golf courses, equipment, and developments throughout the sport.
Through his dedication to golf journalism, Down helped shine a spotlight on the people, places, and stories that shaped the game across Alberta.
More About Ernie Afaganis
Ernie Afaganis is one of the most recognizable names in Alberta sports broadcasting. His remarkable career has earned him numerous accolades and seven other Hall of Fame inductions, including recognition in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, the CBC Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and the CFL Reporters Hall of Fame.
Afaganis attended university at Eastern Washington, where he played on the golf team. After a stint as a golf professional, he returned to Edmonton and worked in private broadcasting before joining CBC in 1961. From there, his career flourished, encompassing a variety of television programs, Olympic coverage, and broadcasts of major sporting events.
Although his broadcasting career spanned multiple sports, golf and football held a special place in his heart. Afaganis served as the voice of the Canadian Open for more than 20 years and created Par 27, a program that brought Canadian golf legends together to compete in weekly challenges. The show, described as the original Big Break, helped showcase the personalities and talents of Canadian golfers.
He also co-hosted Tee to Green, an instructional program alongside Henry Martell that brought golf instruction directly to viewers across Alberta.
Beyond broadcasting, Afaganis was a dedicated supporter of amateur sport. He frequently hosted and served as master of ceremonies at local sports award dinners throughout Edmonton, helping celebrate the achievements of athletes and contributors in the community. His connection to the game also extended to Glendale Golf & Country Club, where he was a founding member and served on the board of directors.
Afaganis’s influence on golf broadcasting and his longstanding commitment to amateur sport have left a lasting legacy in Alberta.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Inductees
Everyone at Alberta Golf extends heartfelt congratulations to John Down and Ernie Afaganis on their induction into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame. Their contributions to sports journalism, broadcasting, and the promotion of golf have helped strengthen the game and connect generations of Albertans to the sport.
About the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame
The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the legacies of individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf in Alberta. Recognition is divided into three categories: Pioneer, Player Award, and Distinguished Service Award.
The Pioneer category is a closed category divided into three areas: Players, Courses, and Distinguished Service. It recognizes the individuals and organizations instrumental in establishing the foundations of golf in Alberta. Honourees include the province’s earliest championship winners, the founding five clubs of Alberta Golf, the association’s original staff members, and renowned golf course architects responsible for designing some of Alberta’s most enduring courses.
The Player Award and Distinguished Service Award remain open for nominations.
The Player Award recognizes competitors from Alberta who have brought distinction to the province through outstanding performances in provincial, national, and international competition.
The Distinguished Service Award honours individuals who have dedicated themselves to advancing the game of golf in Alberta. Contributions may include rules administration, golf course architecture, volunteerism, association leadership, media, coaching, and other areas that support the growth and development of the sport.
Nominate a Future Hall of Fame Inductee
Nominations are now open for future Alberta Golf Hall of Fame classes in both the Player Award and Distinguished Service Award categories. The nomination period closes on November 30 each year, and opens again on January 1.
To learn more about the Hall of Fame or submit a nomination, please click the link below.