He was coached in golf by Jack McLaughlin as a youth, and first came to prominence when he won the 1981 Vancouver City Match Play Championship as a 15-year-old amateur, to become the youngest champion ever in that event.

The tournament is open to all professionals and top amateurs in the Lower Mainland region.

[1] That gave him a national championship in Canada at ever-rising levels for seven consecutive seasons.

Franklin then moved to the Japan Golf Tour for several years, and posted several strong finishes, including four runner-up results, earning very good prize money.

PGA of Japan Tour playoff record (0–1) this list may be incomplete Amateur Professional