In Memoriam: Wendyl Arnold

Wendyl Arnold
1948 - 2026

The PGA of BC regrets to share the passing of Life Professional Wendyl Arnold, whose career and connection to Peace Portal Golf Club spanned more than 50 years.

Arnold was born on April 30, 1948. He joined the PGA of Canada in 1972 under the tutelage of Peace Portal’s Head Professional, Bill Watson, and became a Class “A” Professional in 1977.

As an Assistant Professional in the early 1970s, Arnold qualified to compete on the Canadian Tour and spent a summer travelling across the country. He and his partner, Tony LePage, also advanced to the final of the Sun Match Play, where they narrowly finished as runners-up.

Arnold succeeded Watson as Peace Portal’s Head Professional in the mid-1970s. During the 1980s, following the retirement of his father, Arnold moved into the club’s General Manager role.

His friend and fellow PGA of Canada professional Dave McGrath described Arnold as a fierce competitor, both on and off the golf course.

“In his early years, Wendyl was a great athlete,” said McGrath. “He was an accomplished diver and trained at Empire Pool, where he mastered the 10-metre diving platform. He was also on a team that won the 200-yard swimming medley relay for British Columbia.”

The Peace Portal Open attracted many of the province’s leading professionals, and McGrath recalled that events held at the club were highly regarded for the expertise of Arnold and the Peace Portal staff.

“There were many Assistant Professionals at Peace Portal over the years that he helped go on to become Head Professionals all over the province,” said McGrath.

McGrath said Arnold maintained high standards and earned the respect of the club’s membership through his long service at Peace Portal Golf Club, now The Hills at Portal Golf Club. His career-long commitment to one facility and more than five-decade connection to Peace Portal were remarkable within the PGA of BC.

In 2012, Arnold retired and became a PGA of Canada Life Professional. He spent his retirement on Salt Spring Island.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and his daughter, Tamara.

All photos shared with permission from Dave McGrath. The PGA of BC extends its gratitude to McGrath for his contributions.