2024 Honorary Degree recipient Nick Taylor: A national champion who continues contributing here at home

Nick Taylor is a star in the world of professional golf. In 2023 he won his fourth PGA Tour event – the RBC Canadian Open, the first Canadian to do so since 1954 – and he’s currently the No. 32 ranked golfer on the planet. But he’s never forgotten his hometown of Abbotsford and the hours he spent honing his game at Ledgeview Golf and Country Club

On June 13, the graduate of Abbotsford’s Yale Secondary received an Honorary Degree from UFV in recognition of his dedication to giving back to the community.

“It’s definitely something you don’t expect to receive as a pro golfer, but it’s beyond cool, and I’m very honoured,” Taylor says. “Growing up in Abbotsford laid a foundation that carries me through life today. An understanding of community, caring for our neighbours, looking ahead and finding ways to inspire the next generation’s success.”

When he and wife Andie launched the Nick Taylor Charity Pro-Am in 2017, they had no idea what it would become. What began as a way to raise money for student-athlete scholarships – of which there are now 11 — has evolved into something bigger. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $1 million for local non-profits like Holmberg House, Archway Community Services and the Starfish Backpack Program.

“Andie being a social worker at the (Abbotsford Regional) hospital for years and seeing all the hardships in our community, we talked about how we could have an impact and help,” says Taylor. “The amount of money we’ve raised over the last six years isn’t something we would have foreseen, but that’s the great part, seeing the community come together to support the event.

Taylor added that the charity pro-am wouldn’t be what it is without the hard work of Dr. Chris Bertram, associate professor of kinesiology at UFV, and Phil Algra of Algra Bros. Development.

“They’ve been the heart and soul growing this tournament day in and day out,” he says. “Being on the road so much, I can’t do as much as I’d probably like, and they’ve been incredible.”

Taylor’s contributions go beyond the tournament. Steve Tuckwood, UFV Director, Athletics and Campus Recreation says Taylor serves as an ambassador and mentor to young golfers on the UFV Cascades.

“When he’s home in Abbotsford, Nick often finds time to attend our team practices and mentor our golfers,” Tuckwood says. “It is a huge thrill for our Cascades to play alongside a PGA Tour veteran.”

Taylor has thought about what he’d be doing if he wasn’t a professional golfer, and coaching is something he’s considered.

“I hear lots of golfers talk about their college days and being on a team, which is something we don’t get to do a lot of as pros,” he says. “Once you’re inside the ropes it’s yourself and your caddy, and you miss the camaraderie. I’m 15 years removed from my college days (at Washington State) and it’s amazing how fast that’s gone, and it’s fun for me to hang around with the young golfers when I get the chance.”

Taylor appeared by video at the June 13 Convocation ceremony – he was in North Carolina competing in the first round of this year’s U.S. Open.

WATCH: Nick Taylor’s video message to the UFV graduating class of 2024: