MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- Al Balding,...

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- Al Balding, the first Canadian to win a PGA Tour issue has died of cancer. He was 82

Mr Balding won the Mayfair interpret in 1955, and had his best season in 1957 when he finished eighth upon the money list, according to the PGA Tour. He won three tournaments that year -- the Miami Beach exhibit the West Palm Beach unclose and the Havana International -- although none were considered official.

Mr Balding also teamed with George Knudson in 1968 when Canada won the World bowl

He was born April 29 1924 in Toronto and didn't seriously take up golf until after World War II. He took a starter's piece of work at Oakdale Club in Toronto, earning $6 a day and using the currency to buy a new place of clubs.

Mr Balding won the Canadian PGA Championship four times, and he captured the CPGA senior title in 2000 at age 76 He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1968 and into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1985

Mr Balding, who died Sunday, is survived by the agency of his wife, Moreen, and brace children.

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