James Seymour’s story in golf began the way many great ones do with long summer days, a set of clubs, and a love for the game.
Growing up in Aurora, Ontario, Seymour spent countless hours at Kings Riding Golf Club alongside his three brothers.
“This is where my passion for the game first developed. What started as a childhood pastime eventually grew into a competitive career that would take me across Canada,” he says.
The Competitive Years
Seymour continued his golf career at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he earned a spot on the team as a walk-on in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, he turned professional after qualifying for a PGA TOUR Canada event. Over the next several years, he competed across the country, earning status on PGA TOUR Canada in multiple seasons and continuing to develop his game at a higher level. Additionally, he has established himself as one of the top professionals in the province, consistently ranking among the top 10 players in the PGA of Ontario.
That competitive experience has carried through every stage of his career. He explains that one of the highlights as a player came in 2024 when he won the Ontario Zone Championship at Barrie Country Club, posting a two-round total of 10-under par.
Coaching Into Ownership
After years of competing, Seymour’s focus began to shift toward coaching and player development. During COVID, he started teaching private clients at smaller public facilities across Ontario, including Carrickmacross Golf Centre, now named Kirby Links Golf Course & Driving Range.
Spending more time working one-on-one with players and being around the facility gave him a closer look at how everything operates beyond just the game itself.
Seymour explains, “Ownership was never really on my radar until I started coaching at smaller public golf facilities. Through that experience, I saw the potential of operating a welcoming golf facility while building a professional golf academy.”
In 2024, at 34, he took the next step, becoming majority owner of Kirby Links with his three brothers. His brother Mike is now involved in the day-to-day operations, with his other brothers supporting the business.
Building Kirby Links
Since taking over in 2024, Seymour and his team have focused on improving both the facility and the overall experience. The property, now Kirby Links Golf Course & Driving Range, has expanded and upgraded across the course, driving range, and pro shop.
Located just off Highway 400 in Vaughan, the facility includes:
- 18 hole par-3 course
- A full grass driving range
- Clinics
- Lessons
- Junior programs
For Seymour, ownership has only deepened his connection to the game.
“I’m just as passionate about the game today as I was when I first started playing. If anything, I feel a greater responsibility to help people discover and enjoy golf while building a strong golfing community,” he explains.
“We’ve built an incredible team, and we’re fortunate to have such a supportive community of golfers. Seeing families, beginners, juniors, and regular players enjoying the facility makes all the hard work worthwhile”
At just 34, Seymour has already experienced the game from multiple angles: competitor, coach, and now owner. Today, his passion is centered on Kirby Links, where he’s committed to making the game more accessible, creating opportunities for others to get involved, and helping shape lives through golf!
