The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum has announced that Herb Page, 鶹ý’s director of golf and men’s golf head coach, has been selected for 2019 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
With his induction, Coach Page becomes the 25th person inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s builder category and first-ever coach.
“It’s been an honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to help so many young student-athletes grow both on and off the course,” Coach Page said. “It’s always great to be recognized for your hard work, and this nomination is extra special, but the real gratification comes from seeing players mature into outstanding people.”
For more than 40 years, Coach Page has dedicated his time to coaching his players and building an empire at Kent State. Even after decades of significant accomplishments, the Kent State golf program continues to reach pinnacle heights. Coach Page has led Kent State to 23 Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles and has made 28 NCAA Regional appearances while advancing to the NCAA Championship 18 times.
The Kent State Golden Flashes have won three NCAA Regional titles (1993, 2001 and 2010) and earned top 10 finishes in 2000 (9th), 2008 (6th), 2012 (5th) and 2018 (10th), all under the respected coach. Coach Page has also garnered 24 MAC Coach of the Year awards to add to his list of coaching credentials.
He has helped countless of golfers who have gone on to successful professional golf careers and headed the way for Canadian golfers to pursue NCAA Division I golf. Some Canadian alums who were coached and recruited by Coach Page include Ryan Yip (2002–2006), Mackenzie Hughes (2008–2012), Corey Conners (2010-2014), Taylor Pendrith (2010-2014) and Jon Mills (1998–2002), who serves as the men’s golf assistant coach.
“I don’t know another person who is more passionate and dedicated to the game of golf than Herb,” Assistant Coach Mills said. “It’s awesome to see all of the sacrifices he has made over the years pay off.”
In 1998, the Kent State women’s golf team was established as Coach Page played an instrumental role in the launch of the women’s program, opening the path for Canadian women to play Division I golf at Kent State. Some notable alums such as Veronique Drouin-Luttrell, who is the women’s golf head coach at the University of Oklahoma, and Jan Dowling, the women’s golf head coach at the University of Michigan.
“Many people know about the influence Herb has had on the Canadian golfers, but on a deeper level, what he’s done for women and the women’s game,” Coach Dowling said. “In the mid- to late-’90s, he had a vision to create a women’s golf team at Kent State that was world class in every possible way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Coach Page also has coached two PGA TOUR winners and mentored Kent State graduate Ben Curtis, who claimed the 2003 Open Championship as well a runner-up finish at the 2008 PGA Championship.
“I cannot be more proud of what Herb has done in his career, his life and what he’s done for the Kent community,” Mr. Curtis said. “He is an amazing coach and has put Kent State on the map. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for Herb.”
Among his many honors and achievements, Coach Page has been inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of American Hall of Fame (2003), Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame (2005), Northern Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame (2012) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2012). Most recently, Coach Page was selected to coach the International team at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup this summer.
Coach Page has been a fixture to Kent State since arriving as a student-athlete (golf, football and hockey) back in 1970 and has grown to become one of the most respected golf coaches in the world.
Coach Page will officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony that will take place Tuesday, June, 4, during the RBC Hall of Fame Day as part of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario.