Bio
Murray grew up in Stettler, ALberta, where he lived until graduating from high school. His career in golf began shortly thereafter, taking him to San Diego, where he graduated from the San Diego Golf Academy and spent some time competing on the Golden State Tour.
After returning to Alberta, Murray completed his PGA of Canada apprenticeship at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort before becoming The Head Professional and General Manager at the Nanton Golf Club. He spent 12 year in Nanton before joining The Ranch Golf & Country Club as Executive Professional and General Manager in 2006. After just three season at The Ranch, Murray accepted a lifetime contract that included ownership in the golf course.
Now with over 37 years in the golf business and over 20 years at The Ranch, Murray continues to oversee all aspects of the operations as General Manager, Executive Professional and Managing Partner. Under his leadership, The Ranch has established itself as on of Alberta’s leading public golf facilities and on of the busiest tournament courses in Canada, while remaining committed to it three core pillars: Premier Conditions, Top Notch Service and Unmatched Value.
Professional development and lifelong learning have always been important parts of Murray’s career. He has been recognized numerous times by the PGA of Alberta, including receiving the Top 100 Award for Professional Development in 2013, being named Club Professional of the Year in 2016 and receiving the Executive Professional of the Year in 2019. Murray also served on the Board of Directors from 2012 through 2018.
Murray is also the owner of Tough Stuff Promotional Products, a promotional products and corporate apparel company he established to complement The Ranch’s corporate and tournament business.
His leadership experience extends well beyond golf. Murray spent 11 seasons as General Manager of the Okotoks Bisons Junior Hockey Club, during which the Bisons won 7 league championships and competed in 8 Provincial Championships. He was also heavily involved with Business Network International (BNI) serving as Chapter President in 2016. That year, his chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in BNI Alberta North and Murray was named President of the Year.
Murray is also passionate about promoting and growing the game beyond The Ranch. He is the host of the VIP Golf Show on Edmonton Sports Talk, a weekly two-hour program dedicated to golf throughout Edmonton, Alberta and beyond. The show features golf professionals, course operators, industry leaders, athletes and other personalities while providing a platform to showcase golf courses, major events, junior golf, instruction and the people who make the game special. 2027 will mark the 9th year of Murray hosting the show.
Murray is also the author of Outside the Tee Box, a collection of stories, experiences and lessons drawn from a lifetime spent in golf, business, leadership and life.
Outside the Tee Box:
My Personal Journey and Secrets of Success in the Golf Business
by Murray McCourt
Awards of Recognition
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PGA of Alberta 2013 Top 100 Award Winner |
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BNI 2016 President of the Year |