Jimmy Doyle, the man they called “Jumbo”, was larger than life in every way. A hugely popular personality who never lost the common touch, Doyle maintained his roots from Sandy Hook.

An all round athlete who excelled in curling and basketball (he was a member of the national Junior Champion Winnipeg Light Infantry team in 1951), Doyle was best known for his prowess on the links. He began his illustrious golf career as the Manitoba Junior Champion in 1951.

In 1957 he was runner-up in the Manitoba Open and captured the Saskatchewan Open title that same year. The Thunder Bay Championship followed in 1958. Doyle’s crowning achievement came in 1968 when he won the Canadian Amateur Title and was low medalist. That year saw him compete with the Eisenhower Cup team as well. In 1970 came the North Dakota State Open Championship and, in 1976, the Manitoba Amateur title. He was a member of 2 Willingdon Cup teams during a sparkling amateur career.

Jimmy Doyle’s senior golfing career was also filled with success. He was a member of provincial senior teams and finished second once and third twice in National Senior Competition.

The Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association named Doyle Athlete of the Year in 1968. It is said that he brightened every room that he entered and that “Jumbo” was indeed, larger than life. Although he passed away in 1991, Jimmy Doyle’s legacy lives on. His sons continue to run the Sandy Hook Golf Course, a fitting tribute to a legend in Manitoba golf.