The PGA of Canada has announced three new members of their Hall of Fame with Peter Semko being enshrined.
Born in Glaslyn, Sask., Semko moved to Saskatoon in 1941 before becoming an icon in the golf business in the City of Bridges and in Montreal under the tutelage of Pat Fletcher.
Semko was inducted into the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
The PGA of Canada released more details on Semko’s career on Dec. 5.
Peter Semko (Builder) (posthumously)
Peter Semko truly did it all in the golf industry. Over the course of his remarkable life in golf, he served as a caddy, golf professional, administrator, instructor, golf course architect and developer, and eventually a golf course owner. His influence on the Canadian golf landscape is profound, and his mentorship helped guide the careers of countless PGA professionals who continue to carry forward his legacy today.
Before finding his permanent home in golf, Semko excelled as a hockey player, skating for the Saskatoon Westleys, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, and even attending training camp with the Detroit Red Wings. Yet it was at the golf course where his passion and purpose truly aligned.
His journey in the sport began at just 11 years old in the back shop of the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, first as a caddy and eventually as assistant professional under his mentor, the legendary Pat Fletcher. The pair later worked together at Royal Montreal Golf Club before Semko returned to Saskatoon to accept the head professional position at Holiday Park Golf Course in 1961. There, he played a pivotal role in the concept, design, and construction of the facility’s Executive Nine, a project that helped modernize public golf in the region.
Semko’s leadership extended far beyond the tee deck. He became the City of Saskatoon’s supervisor of golf courses while continuing his duties as Head Professional. At the Association level, he dedicated six years of service as president of the PGA of Saskatchewan and later served as Vice-President of the PGA of Canada. Peter was instrumental in bringing the PGA Championship of Canada to the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in 1971 — a historic first for the province.
A visionary builder, Semko contributed to numerous golf course designs and construction projects throughout the province. His boldest venture came in 1979 when he took what he described as a “leap of faith” in building Greenbryre Country Club. The course became a cornerstone of golf in Saskatoon, and Semko remained at its helm for 28 years until his retirement in 2007.
Semko’s exceptional contributions earned him wide recognition in his later years, including induction into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Saskatchewan PGA, along with lifetime memberships in both the PGA of Canada and the Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association — honours befitting a man whose work elevated every facet of the game.
Peter Semko passed away on April 23, 2023 at the age of 89.
Golf Saskatchewan published an interview celebrating Peter in 2021.