Reed on the Greens, by Jeffrey Reed
Silver Special Pro At Special Club
October 28, 2016
The measure of a man stems from how he unselfishly gives back to others. No other game gives back to its community like golf. And in Southwestern Ontario, few other golf professionals have dedicated their lives to growing the game as much as Mike Silver.
On January 1, Silver, 67, will leave his post as Highland Country Club’s director of golf after 39 years with the club. His assistant since 2011, Picton native Rick Pero, will take the head golf professional reigns. Silver will remain as golf pro emeritus, and will fill an ambassador role which will include assisting in the promotion and operations of the Mackenzie Tour PGA Tour Canada’s Freedom 55 Financial Championship.
On November 4, the members of Highland CC will celebrate Silver’s career at a black tie event which includes a roast of the man they simply call, “Pro.” No doubt, this dinner will take the form of a love-in for the man who has touched so many lives during his 39-year tenure with one of Southwestern Ontario’s top private clubs.
Mike Silver and Rick Pero join Cameron Hardman, 12, child ambassador to the Freedom 55 Financial Championship during the tournament’s ceremonial first tee shots. Photo: Jeffrey Reed.
A native of Copper Cliff near Sudbury, Silver started golfing at age 8. He joined the Highland CC staff in 1977, and since has not only mentored hundreds of others while also investing in junior golf, but also has run his Highland Cares For Kids Charity Classic golf tournament for 38 years.
PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year in 2000, Silver has been a PGA of Canada member since 1971. He was awarded Master Professional status in 1998, writing his thesis on, Maintaining Playing Ability, and Maintaining Playing Ability for Seniors.
“Carl Vanstone, the pro at Idylwylde Golf and Country Club in Sudbury, was my mentor. He was tough – he’d kick your butt if you needed it. But he always had five minutes for you,” Silver said. “And that’s been my goal since I came to Highland. I love working with junior golfers.”
There have been endless highlights for Silver during his lengthy career, including playing with Arnold Palmer at the Labatt International in 1981. Just recently, he finally shot his age, posting a 66.
And now, the man they call Pro passes the torch to Pero, who will continue Silver’s legacy.
“When Rick came on board, it didn’t take me long to realize that he was going to be my successor,” Silver said. “All I did was hang around for a while so he could establish himself.”
“Mike has always led by example,” Pero answered. “Whether that involves the business side – running the pro shop and merchandise side of business, or dealing with the board of directors and committees. He has always told me, ‘We’re here to help, and if the members want something, then we’ll make it happen.’”
Photo: Jeffrey Reed
“It’s all about communication,” Silver added. “And service drives this industry. I’ve hammered this into my staff over the years. Try to be the best professional you can be. Be respectful. If you want to be looked upon as a professional, then dress like one, and act like one.”
Fittingly, when asked what makes Highland CC a special place, Silver and Pero answered simultaneously, “The members.”
“We have a special group of members here who lover their club. It showed during (the Freedom 55 Financial Championship). It’s a normal week around here. The membership strongly supports their club. And we all continue to strive to make it even better, and to grow and become the number one club in Southwestern Ontario,” Pero said.
Always quick to credit others for any success, Silver applauded Pero, his assistant and teaching pros plus each and every Highland staff member – not himself – for the club’s success.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at Silver’s recent retirement reception. Expect the same at his send-off dinner – tears of laughter during the roast, and tears of sadness and joy as Highland bids farewell to Pro.
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