Our Own Golf Pro

Former PGA Pro Rick McDonald tees up to help homeless animals

Our inaugural Homeward Pet Open Golf Tournament will be Friday, August 27 at 1:30pm. We are so pleased to host an event which gives golfers the opportunity to connect their love of the game and their love of pets! Perhaps no one was more enthusiastic about the idea of hosting a golf tournament to help raise funds for Homeward Pet than our Board Vice President, Rick McDonald. 

Rick comes to Homeward with both a rich background in professional golf and an engrained love of animals, the perfect combo for this event.  He grew up playing basketball and baseball but discovered the game of golf at 12 years old and was hooked! Rick went on to win a Washington state championship at 16 years old and to receive a golf scholarship to California State University East Bay soon thereafter.  After college, he qualified for the PGA TOUR’s international tours, having playing privileges in Canada, Latin America, and China.  Rick retired from professional golf in 2016 due to the intensive travel requirements and pivoted to his second passion and now works in investments and wealth management.  You’ll still find him out on the local courses as often as he can carve out the time. 

Rick has always been an avid animal lover.  He was introduced to Homeward Pet by a former colleague, and attended our annual Fur Ball to learn more. Drawn to our mission and programs, he now serves as Vice President on our Board of Directors and is thrilled that he can use his time and talents to help pets in need find their loving homes. 

Our upcoming tournament will be held at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge.  Rick has golfed there many times and touts it as one of his favorite courses in Washington, as it offers beautiful holes with water and elevation changes, and is a course that allows every golfer, regardless of experience, a fun golfing experience.  That is exactly what we’re hoping for those of you who join us that day! 

When asked for his best golf tip (we assume he has many), Rick answered: 

“The best golf tip I could provide someone, outside of make sure you are having fun, is it all begins with fundamentals – Good grip, stance, posture will give you the necessary foundation to start off the right way.” 

Rick will be at the course on August 27 prior to the 1:30 start to give you tips on your form and game – just another benefit of joining us that day to help the animals and programs of Homeward Pet. 

Sarah Taylor / Winnipeg Free Press

Are you ready to join us for a fun day?   

Register as an individual, couple or a foursome. 

Not a golfer?  Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available so that you can still be involved without hitting a single ball.