Moe the Pro, Prince Rupert's Gentleman of the Golf Course passes away leaving behind a legacy of golf and camaraderie on the North Coast

The Professional Golf Association of British Columbia
has marked the passing of Prince Rupert's Moe Hays, who
passed away in late May

One of the most familiar fixtures at the Prince Rupert Golf Course and in the community, Moe Hays has passed away, a passionate instructor of the game locally and strong community booster leaves behind countless numbers of local golfers who learned their love of the game during his time at the Ninth Avenue West club house.

A post from daughter Jackie Hays Touchet shared through social media shared word of Mr. Hays passing in Victoria on the 28th of May at the age of 74, with  further notes on how the community can celebrate his life to come at a later date.

The Professional Golf Association of BC shared the announcement today, noting of the tireless efforts of Moe the Pro to develop the sport of Golf on the North Coast.

The PGA of BC has prepared an impressive tribute to his career which you can read here. 

Their account is one part biography of his career and one part historical review of how he grew the sport in the region.

Hays was also well known for the welcoming environment he fostered at the club. He had an uncanny talent for remembering the names and faces of club patrons but was particularly accommodating of junior golfers. His influence undoubtedly resulted in a significant number of Prince Rupert juniors who either played at the club or worked in Hays’ shop going on to successful careers in golf. 

Among them was Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member and three-time LPGA Tour winner Lisa Walters, as well as several current PGA of BC Professionals such as Edd Boudreau (Gorge Vale Golf Club), Sandra Comadina (McCleery Golf Course) and Mark Strong (Sagebrush Golf Club) to name a few, plus former PGA members Ryan Webber, Ian Pattullo and Hays’ daughter, Jackie Touchet.

The passing of Mr. Hays will be one of much sadness and note for the local golf community, for the pro from the Prince Rupert course was much more than an instructor of golf; he was a larger than life presence at the golf club, serving many years as the glue that kept the sport alive during some challenging times.

He built the game through youth programs in the community and through his time as the Club pro assisted many golfers to better their game and become champions of the sport in the community.

Beyond his joy for the sport of golf he was a man generous with his time and and someone where a short back and forth chat could extend into a lengthy discussion of golf or any topic of the day. 

Condolences to his immediate family and friends on his passing, Mr. Hays another name in this year of passings of those who made a difference in the community.

The Prince Rupert Golf Course has noted his passing on their Facebook page, where you can leave comments if you wish, the Course has. not announced as of yet what plans it may have to commemorate his life, once they do we'll share the details.

You can review more notes from the Course from our archive page here.