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Golf GREY-BRUCE & AREA Free Copy

Still golfing at age 94

Vol. 12, No. 2

June 2016

Oldest local club turns 110

Francesca Dobbyn, Exective Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey, gets in the golfing mode at Cobble Beach Golf Links. She is surrounded by hats and scorecards from clubs participating in the Golf Fore Change fundraiser for the United Way. For more on the event see page 2.

Golf Fore Change

Photo: Steve Harron

21 courses and one goal - to help United Way

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60 holes in one day?

uper Senior

Are we crazy? Probably.

But it’s all for a good cause

I

T

ROSS LEIGH

he former OSCVI principal took up golf in 1949 and has played the game regularly ever since. Last year he averaged one round a week and this year he’d like to keep up with last year’s pace. He will turn 95 on Aug. 29. His introduction into the game came at Mimico High School where a fellow teacher convinced him to try it. He was immediately hooked and even got his physical education students into the game and organized a school tournament that grew to include five or six schools. He came to Owen Sound in 1962 to teach at OSCVI and immediately joined the Owen Sound Golf and Country Club where he remained a member until moving to Sauble Beach in 1988. He joined the Sauble Men’s Club and the group played golf every Thursday at Chesley Lake Camp Golf Course. Although he has moved back to Owen Sound, he remains a life member of the Sauble club and intends to play with them again this year at Chesley Lake. His golf highlights include a round at the Banff Springs Golf Course and playing on his 90th, 91st and 92nd birthdays with his step-sons and grandson.

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often suffer from back pain. Stan Didzbalis, organizer of the Golf Fore Change United Way fundraiser, also has back issues. So it’s kinda crazy what we’re planning to do this month.

Stan turned 60 this year and wants to play 60 holes in one day to mark the milestone.

I’m not 60 yet but I’ve agreed to accompany him on his journey. Why? Well, I always like a challenge, especialSteve Harron ly one that involves golf.

But the main reason is to help raise From the money and awareness for the Golf Fore Change event. It’s a relatively new Publisher event, having started on a small scale last year and grown to include at least 21 courses in Grey-Bruce this year.

The participating courses are: Ainsdale, BlackHorse, Chippewa, Cobble Beach, Cornerstone, Dunadel, The Ferns, Holiday, Homestead, Legacy Ridge, Pinewoods, Piper’s Glen, Markdale, Mount Forest, Northern Dunes, Pike Lake, Sauble, Saugeen, Scenic City, South-Port, & Whispering Hills.

Money raised goes to the United Way of Grey Bruce - a vital community resource that supports numerous worthwhile causes in the area.

The event runs from June 20-26 and you can register as an individual or a group at www.golfforechange.com. You can select tee times at participating courses and let the pro shop know you are golfing for the United Way. That way, you will be allowed to play as many holes as you can in a single day or throughout the week. Regular green fees apply.

Golfers are asked to collect pledges on a per-hole basis or for a set amount. Donations can be made online or collected via pledge sheets available at each of the participating golf courses or at the United Way office in Owen Sound.

It’s a great idea because it raises money for a good cause, but it also encourages golfers to get out and play.

And while Stan and I are trying to make it a marathon, you don’t have to. Play as many holes as you want - just enjoy it and know that you are helping your community.

Steve Harron Publisher/Editor

Grey-Bruce Golf is a publication of Harron Marketing, 200 Beattie Street, Owen Sound, Ont. N4K 6X3 Telephone: 519-374-5759 E-mail: steveharron@sympatico.ca www.greybrucegolf.com

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Grey-Bruce Golf is published 5 times each year from May until September and is distributed free throughout the Grey-Bruce region. All rights are reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, statistic, schedule or artwork, whether whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher/editor, is prohibited. Letters from readers are always welcome. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.

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New job for Senior Player of Year F

Former Owen Sound head pro takes on new position at Georgian Bay Club

ormer Owen Sound Golf and Country Club head professional Gary Jeffrey has been hired to help train and mentor pros at the Georgian Bay Club near Thornbury.

His new position as an outside services golf professional comes shortly after he was named PGA of Ontario’s Senior Player of the Year for 2015.

The veteran pro from Collingwood made the most of turning 50 last year, carding three victories and three second place finishes on the way to winning the title.

He opened the season playing his first round of the year in his very first senior event at Black Bear Ridge Golf Club. Despite being 1-over after five holes, he carded five birdies and an eagle to win the PGA of Ontario 2015 Senior Spring Open by a single stroke at 3-under par.

“That first round really set the tone for the rest of the season and I decided I was going to go out and try to win as many events as possible,” he said in a story posted on the Ontario PGA website.

“I still remember when I was an assistant in my hometown at King’s Forest GC in Hamilton and just out of college looking for my first professional win back in 1989 and in 2015 it felt like I was a rookie again,” said Jeffrey, who spent the last three and a half years as a teaching professional at Golf Town

in Barrie.

He has also worked at Hamilton G&CC, Crosswinds G&CC and Cranberry Resort.

His other wins were at the PGA of Ontario Summer Challenge at Lookout Point CC and the Senior Fall Classic at Peterborough G&CC. One of his three second place finishes was at the PGA of Ontario Senior Championship at Flamborough Hills Golf Club.

- with files from Brent Long Premium Golf Practice Facility & Learning Academy

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Meet the Pros Brent Firminger and Ryan McBride have recently joined Cobble Beach Golf Links Name: Brent Firminger Hometown - Sundre, Alberta (wife Valerie is from Port Elgin) Age: 34 Previous positions as a Professional: Assistant Professional at the Golden Golf Club in B.C. and Assistant Professional at the Sundre Golf Club in Alberta.

Best round: “My best competitive score is a 66 and my favourite round (best round) was playing with my father-in-law at TPC Brent Firminger Sawgrass...an incredible experience!!!”

Best moment in golf: “Every time I see a golfer re-establish their love for the game!! Also, witnessing honesty in the game prevail over winning. During a playoff in my hometown club championship, I watched a competitor call himself on a two stroke penalty when he clipped a leaf off a branch during his practice stroke. I don’t think anyone else saw it but he and I. He lost the championship by one shot. I have never forgotten this honourable moment and try to play the game with the same respect every day.”

Strangest thing I’ve seen on the course: “At a golf tournament in Golden, B.C. a competitor decided to drive the golf cart 10 kilometres back to town to the local pub. No one could figure out where the missing cart was until a member called the pro shop and explained that they saw one of our golf carts at The Taps. Needless to say that person was not invited back to the event!”

Name: Ryan McBride Hometown: Mississauga Age: 36 Previous positions as a Professional: Head Teaching Professional with Bradlee Ryall Golf Enterprises (BRGE), Assistant/ Associate Golf Professional at Whistle Bear Golf Club, The Briars Golf Club and Islington Golf and Country Club.

Best round: 65 at The Briars Golf Club.

Best moment in golf: “Working with indiRyan McBride vidual students to work towards reaching their golfing goals.”

Strangest thing I have seen on golf course: “In a memorial tournament I played in every year in Oakville, there is one foursome that plays a par three on the back nine with nothing on but golf shoes. One year they decided to put this group last in the tournament and send out public golf after them. A lady and her two sons were the first group playing after the tournament and you should’ve seen the looks on their faces when the group in front stripped down and played the 15th hole with nothing but a smile on!”

New owners explore options for golf course

T

Stone Tree Golf and Fitness Club sold to Owen Sound couple

he new owners of Stone Tree Golf and Fitness Club have plans to improve the club’s apartment complex and fitness centre and “enhance and sustain other aspects of the property” but a previous agreement means the golf course cannot be brought back into operation.

Owen Sound businessman Jeff Mundle announced May 12 that he and his wife, local RE/MAX broker Lane McMeekin, had purchased the 200-acre property south of Owen Sound from Balnar Management of Guelph.

The transaction includes an apartment complex, a fitness centre, banquet and event facilities and 200 acres of land.

“Stone Tree has always been a very important part of

Owen Sound and we are proud to be able to keep it in the community and create a facility that can continue to make a contribution to our hometown,” said Mundle, who is owner of Mundle Electrical and Mechanical, the McKay building in downtown Owen Sound and and several other local properties.

Earlier this year Balnar sold Legacy Ridge Golf Club to a local group and part of that deal was a stipulation that Stone Tree could not be sold to a golf operator or golf business.

While the golf course can’t be used for golf, Mundle has been quoted as saying he will maintain the property while exploring options for its use.

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Page 4

202414 Sunset Strip, RR 5, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5P3 Telephone: (519) 371-3381 Fax: 519-470-2280 Email: mark@thriftyowensound.com

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DID YOU KNOW?

Josiah Dixon struck gold & silver in college

M

assie’s Josiah Dixon won an individual bronze medal and helped his Niagara Knights men’s golf team win gold at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association championship last fall.

The Knights edged the nine-time defending champion Humber Hawks by just one stroke. It was first time since the 1975-76 season that the Knights had won an Ontario championship.

Dixon, who works at and plays out of Cobble Beach Golf Links, tied for third with rounds of 69-71-78 for a +8 total.

He also helped the Knights win silver at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship in Chiliwack, B.C. in mid-October.

At that event he tied for 13th after shooting rounds of 71-70-77 for a +2 The gold and silver medal winning Niagara Knights men’s golf team. From left total. are, Head Coach Cameron Thin, Evan Littlefield, Mark Wikkerink, Zach Bankuti, The Knights were leading on the Logan Lammarent, Josiah Dixon and Assistant Coach Brandon McGregor. final day with four holes to play but were overcome by the top-ranked wins at the Ontario Champions event and the Willie Park Camosun Chargers from Victoria, B.C. Invitational.

It was the first national medal for the men’s golf team “The Champion of Champions event is difficult to even since 2005 when the Knights won the national championship. qualify for as you must win your home club championship And because of their 2nd place finish, the team was invitfirst in order to play in the event and he came out on top of ed to compete in the Canadian University/College Athletic that stellar field. The Willie Park Invitational is one of the top Association national championship, which was held at Invitational events in not only the provMorningstar Golf Club in British but nationally. The event attracts Columbia from May 31-June 3. “...he is one of the most talented ince, some of the best amateur players in the Results were not available at press time. players I’ve ever dealt with in my country each year,” he said.

Dixon, who is enrolled in “As for the team, Josiah was a woncareer as a golf professional.”

Niagara’s Professional Golf derful addition to the roster both on and Management Program, had a - Niagara Knights Golf Coach Cameron Thin off the course. Our team dynamic was very successful 2015 season. one of our major strengths and he was In addition to his college a key in that. accomplishments, he won the Ontario Champion of “On the golf course, he is one of the most talented players Champions event in May, tied for 11th at the Ontario Men’s I’ve ever dealt with in my career as a golf professional and I Amateur in July and won the Willie Park Invitiational at look forward to seeing his game progress during his time with Weston BMR-Monterra-SummerRounds-GreyBruceGolf-April20.pdf Golf Club in September.

1 4/20/2016 10:32:05 AM the team. Literally the sky is the limit with a player of Josiah’s Knights head coach Cameron Thin was impressed with talent and work ethic.” not only Dixon’s play with the college team but also with his

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Page 5

PHOTO FLASHBACK

From the archives of Grey-Bruce Golf

Ironwedge Target Greens Range at Whispering HIlls Golf Club was officially opened on Aug. 5, 2006. On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were, from left, Andrew Day, Brockton mayor Charlie Bagnato, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch and owner Darrell Day.

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Page 6

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GREY-BRUCE ELECTRIC CHARITY GOLF CALENDAR June 3 - Owen Sound Hospital Charity Classic at Legacy Ridge, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

June 4 - Meaford and Beaver Valley Kinettes breast cancer tournament, Meaford Golf Course.

Proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. Sign up and pay online at www.meafordgolf.com June 10 - Combat Golf Tournament at The Golf Club at Lora Bay, 1 p.m. shotgun. Funds raised go to the Military Family Resource Centre at the Land Force Central Area Training Centre in Meaford. For more info or to register call 519-538-1371 x-6509.

June 10 - 10th Annual FORE! The Memories tourney with proceeds to the Alzheimer Society of GreyBruce, Legacy Ridge Golf Club, registration at 11 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost: $135. To register call 519-376-7230.

June 10 - 8th Annual Second Chance Kids tourney at Saugeen Golf Club, 11 a.m. BBQ Tailgate Party on Sunset patio, 1 p.m. shotgun start, $125/player. Register by The Zonta Club of Owen Sound’s 19th Annual Ladies Golf Classic will be held June calling golf shop at 519-389-4031.

15 at Scenic City Golf Course this year. In this photo from last year’s event at Stone Entry forms at www.saugeengolf.

Tree, Karen Garvie gets set to tee off while behind are, from left, Sue Honer, Janice com Jackson and Sharon McKenzie.

June 15 - Zonta Club of Owen Sound’s 19th Annual Ladies Golf Cart, $50 CRA Tax Receipt for Charitable Donation, Buffet Classic at Scenic City Golf Course, $125/golfer, Best Ball Dinner, Hole in One & Closest to the Pin Contests, Live & format, 18 holes, shotgun start at 1 p.m. Proceeds support Silent Auctions, Pipe Band & Flag Bearer Performance.

Women’s Health at Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre.

Special Guest Comedian Johnny Gardhouse. Register by June 17 - Pretty in Pink tourney at Saugeen Golf Club, 3 calling Legacy Ridge Pro Shop at 519-376-1961 ext. 1. All p.m. shotgun start, 9 holes, raffle, live auction and ball proceeds go to Wounded Warriors Canada. toss. Proceeds to Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Aug. 25 - Chippewas of Nawash Charity tournament, To register contact Judy Trotman at judy.trotman1@gmail.

Cobble Beach. Contact Warren at Cobble: warrenthomcom as@cobblebeach.com July 28 - Third Annual Wounded Warriors tournament at If you would like to promote your Charity Golf Legacy Ridge Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, 4-perTournament, please send tourney details to steveharron@ son team scramble, $150/person (includes HST), $120 sympatico.ca There is no charge for this service.

Member Price, BBQ Lunch, 18 Holes of Golf with Power

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Page 7

Celebrating

110 years

K

Kincardine Golf Club oldest in Grey-Bruce and one of the oldest in Canada

incardine Golf Club may be small but it has a long and impressive history. The 110-year-old club has been the playground for thousands of golfers over the years and has produced two of the best golfers ever to come out of the Grey-Bruce area.

One of them is Taylor Schmidt (Candler), who lived beside the golf course and first swung a club at age 9 in the club’s practice area.

She went on to a stellar career with the University of Oklahoma where she had seven top-10 finishes and helped the Sooners win a Big 12 Division Championship in 2012.

Also achieving Division 1 success was former Kincardine member Brianna Cooper, whose accomplishments at Ilinois State included team and individual wins at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in 2001.

She also claimed two individual titles and left the team last year as one of the most decorated players in the school’s history.

It defies the odds that a 9-hole golf course in a town of about 11,000 people could produce two golf stars of this calibre.

But it’s all part of the rich history of the club that began in 1906 with only four holes and sheep as “greenskeepers.”

Plaque at first hole honours club founder Josephine Gualco and Sir Alexander For more on the club history, see the Mackenzie, a Kincardine native who went on to become the president of the world’s article on the adjacent page. largest utility. Mackenzie is credited with expanding the club in 1929.

CELEBRATING

Kincardine Golf Club's

110th

Cheers to 110 Years!

Lori Lupton, Sales Representative loril@peleeisland.com Cell: 519-274-1611 1-800-597-3533

Anniversary!

Cheers from your Friends at Creemore Springs Brewery

Page 8

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Grey-Bruce Golf

Kincardine’s Women in Golf in 1925: From left, Ruth Marcus, Nan Morrison, Ethel Malcolm, Estell Cottrill, Blanche Bruce, Cosey Magwood, Tommy Magwood, Sadie Welch, Glad Chowem and Mona Helliwell.

Club started with 4 holes Sheep kept the grass short and green in the original days

By Lynda Janzen ack in 1906, Josephine Gualco, a native of Kalisz, Poland, purchased a piece of property in Kincardine on which she and her friends could play a game which had recently been introduced to Canada. That game was golf and that property became part of what is known today as the Kincardine Golf Club.

A forerunner of today’s golf scene was introduced by one of Madame Gualco’s friends, Dr. MacCrimmon. The doctor had a physical infirmity which made walking onerous, so he would drive his horse and buggy over the course, getting out of the buggy to hit his shots, and then on to the next … a preview of the modern-day golf cart!

The original course consisted of four holes, including one known as the ‘Hospital Hole.’ Lawn mowers and motorized groomers were still a long way into the future, so originally, sheep were encouraged to graze on the fairways and greens, not only keeping the grass short, but green as well!

In 1920 the club was incorporated as the Kincardine

B

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Country Club (Private) Ltd., although most people, including those who work there, use the more familiar term Kincardine Golf Club.

In July of 1920, a deputation from Kincardine sought out Rev. David Ritchie at his manse in Cromarty, Ontario to ask for his help in developing the Kincardine course. Rev. Ritchie was born in St. Andrews, Scotland in a house overlooking the Royal and Ancient Golf Links and from the age of three, golfing had been second nature to him.

The Ritchie family emigrated to Toronto where, as a youth, he worked for the registrar of the University of Toronto, Dr. Brebner. An avid golfer, Dr. Brebner enlisted David Ritchie’s natural talent for the game which led to a job as pro at the Rosedale links, a job that financed Ritchie’s university tuition.

David Ritchie’s design included enlarging the course and laying it out in a challenging configuration. In 1929, land was purchased to make two new holes, the practice field and parking lot. Then, in the early 1930s, the new holes were laid out and the greens built.

A row of trees dividing these fairways was planted by D. A. Sutherland, principal of the high school at that time. Longtime members will remember him calling out in a very loud voice, “Whoa, Emma!” whenever he hit the ball too hard while putting.

Numerous improvements have been made over the years, with greens enlarged and built up, new sand traps installed, and, most importantly, irrigation for the fairways.

Before irrigation, it was a tremendous job to keep the course green in high summer.

In the 1930s, Sandy Howie, also a Scot and a great teacher, joined David Ritchie who was beginning to slow down.

That was about the time the game was changing from using wooden sticks to steel shafted clubs, with which Howie had more than a passing acquaintance.

Continued on next page

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Page 9

TOUGHEST HOLES

in Grey-Bruce

The 5th hole at Kincardine Golf Club plays 405 yards from the blue tees and features trees all the way down the left side, including a group on the other side of the cart path that can come into play off the tee. The safe play is to the right side but that makes the hole play longer. Your approach shot from this side could be from 160 to 180 yards to a green that is tucked into a heavily treed area. It’s a great risk-reward hole that pays dividends for golfers who are both long and accurate.

Club history includes famous visitors, lemon pie tradition U.S. Amateur champ Sandy Somerville among celebrities who played course his brother Frank took over and carried on the job for 10 Continued from previous page years.

Kincardine resident Alice Seymour, nee Malcolm, recalled Jim Bell’s sister Judy Hunter recalls the two of them on the having had lessons from Sandy Howie over 72 years ago! golf course from a very early age. In her words, “we grew up Alice says her mother had been a good golfer and encouron the golf course.” Judy remembers her mentor, Peggy aged her children to play. Golf was a large part of the fun and Malcolm, who took Judy under her wing when she realized mystique of summer for the Malcolm family. the girl had a passion for the game that matched her own.

After Howie came a pro by the name of Mal Polhill, an Judy says Peggy was a wonderful lady and a fine golfer. excellent player, but by all accounts, not what you would call “She was always there to take me out golfing and to toura patient teacher. One member recalled getting a crack naments.” At that time, Judy says, she played golf in across the knee with a golf club for not doing what her bare feet. But when she got good enough to take she was told! part in tournaments, Peggy and the other ladies told Around the mid-1930s, Peter McCallum became her she couldn’t play in bare feet, that she had to the club manager and Edward Skipper was made have shoes. Her Grandpa Ryerson got her a little groundskeeper. Following Skipper’s retirement, pair of cleats for her first tournament.

Ryerson Robinson, did the job for many years.

Lichtenberg, who was made a life member at the From the age of 12, Jim Bell helped his grandfaclub when she turned 80, says in the 1940s and ther Ryerson during summers. This training gave ’50s, players would come off the 9th green to have a him the know-how to keep the course in good condisandwich and a piece of lemon pie made by Mrs. tion and the club running smoothly, preparing him Ryerson (Lillian) Robinson and friends. The lemon well for the job of club manager, a position he held Jim Bell pie became somewhat of a tradition at the club. from 1964 until a few years ago (he still works partOver the years, a number of celebrity golfers have time on the grounds crew). graced the links of the club, including the great Sandy During the 1920s and 30s, the little room at the north end Somerville. Known as the gentleman golfer, Somerville not of the old clubhouse was the pro shop where you paid your only won the 1932 U.S. Amateur, a first for a foreign golfer, green fees. The pro shop was run by various young membut between l926 and 1937, he captured six Canadian bers, over the years, including Sutherland Malcomson, Bill Amateurs, a record that may never be equalled.

Bruce, Burdett Magwood and Walton “Stork” McKibbon.

The club has produced a prodigious number of good golfIn the 1950s the 8th tee became the 1st tee and a small ers in its 110-year history, including Taylor Schmidt and pro shop was built. Former board director Ann Lichtenberg’s Brianna Cooper. Mostly, though, duffers come out just to have father, George Morrison, who had previously worked as a some fun and exercise, and to socialize with other golfers.

Postmaster, took over the collecting of green fees in the They’ve been doing so for 110 years and with a solid mem1950s. bership base the club is likely to carry on this tradition for A long-time golfer at the club, George had already intromany years to come. duced Ann to the game in the 1940s. When George retired, Page 10

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Grey-Bruce Golf

Fun to take risks at charity scrambles

It’s a time when you can sacrifice the sensible in the hope of achieving the unbelievable

A

nice way to shake up the somewhat regular pattern of the Sundayonly round with the lads, is to once in a while take part in (even with the same lads) a charity golf tournament. It’s a great excuse to feel like you are helping a good local cause while playing a round and enjoying a day where your personal improvement isn’t on the line because it’s a little more casual…right?

Maybe…

I’ve had pro friends tell me that if you’re working to improve your game, that charity best ball or scrambles work against you…that you’ll try to hit shots that you wouldn’t normally try.

Like sometimes going for the big, low-percentage shots when a partner has a safe one out there already. They make a good point.

Proper club selection, safe, good shots when needed, making good misses, etc., are all key to lowering scores, and best ball tournaments are a little more “loosey goosey” than that, aren’t they?

But then I think about Phil Mickelson. Lefty is a huge fan favourite. Not because of his 42 tour wins and over $76 million in career earnings, not because he’s left-handed, but I think because he goes for it… he’s risky, he takes chances, he sacrifices the sensible to sometimes achieve the unbelievable. Golf analyst David Feherty once said watching

Mickelson play golf is “like watching a drunk chasing a balloon near the edge of a cliff.”

I can relate to this approach in a charity tourney…with the wrong club in your hand and the idea that you could achieve something marvelous with it…that ‘gutsiness’ is part of the positivity that I think golf is all about.

Go play a charity tournament, turn off your personal game goals, have some fun…and go for it, with a few shots. It’s a great feeling to feel the risk and get the reward and help a good cause.

Keep swinging, we’re all in this together…

JD also hosts the radio version of From the Whites Fridays at 7:50 a.m. on the myFM Radio Network, and its 17 Ontario markets, and online through myfmradio.ca

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Page 11

AROUND THE CLUBS Ainsdale

Men’s Night The warm weather brought out 70 golfers for men’s night on May 19. Blair Chaput cleaned up in A Flight with 30 points and a skin. Arno Weissenboeck continues to dominate B Flight , Andrew Mooy led C Flight and JD Colling led D Flight with 29 points. CTP winners were Bryan Marsh, George Coulter, Ken Bresee, Blair Chaput and James Bailey.

Ladies League The Ainsdale Ladies came to play on May 17 and it turned out to be a sunny but cool day. The outstanding scoring saw Colette LePage trounce her fellow competitors in D flight, while Norma-Jean Rhody led the putting stats with lucky 13 putts on the front 9. The fight winners for Stableford points were: A - Karen Neilipovitz 32, B - Chris MacDonald 30, C Deb Catto 32, D - Colette LePage 54, E - Marg Firth 47.

The low putters by flight were: A - Karen Neilipovitz 14, B Chris MacDonald 16, C - Norma-Jean Rhody 13, D - Edie Fotheringham 16, E - Deb Brindley. The Ace of Aces qualifiers by flight were: A - Karen Neilipovitz & Denise Tighe, B Chris MacDonald & Shirley Thomas, C - Anne Rock & Ruth Johnston, D - Colette LePage & Norie Dickson, E - Jeanette Barnes & Marg Firth. On May 3, the league began its season. This league is open to ladies of all abilities and features a very social and golf friendly experience. The league plays 9 holes in 5 scoring flights every Tuesday. On the opening week the league utilized a new state-of-the-art scoring system to tabulate Stableford scores, handicaps and skins results. The story of the week was Jennifer Lawrie who cleaned up in A Flight, winning both 1st in the points competition with 34 and 1st in A Flight low putts with only 14. New member Heather Struthers had a strong debut, taking only 14 Putts and collecting 49 Points in the E Flight! Other flight winners were: B - Wendy Gardner 15 Putts, 25 Points, C Colleen Douglas 15 Putts, Kim Williams and Janice Matchett tied with 26 Points, D - Edie Fotheringham 14 Putts, Ruth Johnston 29 Points.

Senior Men A bright, sunny day greeted 44 golfers in the Senior Men’s scramble on May 18, with the team of John Kuyvenhoven, Bob Black, Bill Graham and Percy Courtney taking top honors with a fine -4 score on the front 9. Closest to the pin winners were Bill Graham on #3 and Dick Ford, with a near ace, on #8. On May 11, the winners were Dick Ford, Dave Hannay, Ken Bresee and Don Paquette with -3. Closest to the pin marksmen were Doug Harris on 3 and Dick Ford on 8. The season-opening scramble on May 4 saw a good turnout of 36 players. The team of Ross Stewart, Larry Irwin,

Peter Morris and Kenton Ehgoetz posted a -2 score and prevailed in the putt off, to claim top spot. Ross Stewart and Harry Ferrier were closest to the pin on holes 3 and 8.

BlackHorse

Men’s Night On May 10 it was sunny & warm but a little breezy for the second Men’s Night. Thirty-two fellows (including 2 new guys) came out and enjoyed great course conditions and a good meal afterwards. Jeff Wilken won A flight with a terrific score of 3 under par 33. Roger Amelotte was second with an even par 36. Jeff Wilken and Tom Pegg won skins in A. Walter Arnold won B and Rob Liddle was second. Walter, Blair Rubick and Dave Evans won skins. Terry Parsons won C flight with 27 points and George Armstrong was close behind with 26. Terry and George both won skins.

Closest to the pin winners were Terry Parsons, Tom Pegg, Mike Whitcroft and Blair Rubick. On May 3, the weather co-operated for the first Men’s Night of the year and 34 golfers came out. Dwight Leslie won the A flight, Jeff Wilken and Andy McLelland tied for second. Jeff Wilken and Doug Wilson Jr. won skins in A. B flight was won by Doug Gauthier with Walter Arnold and Tom Pegg tying for second. Doug Gauthier, Tom Pegg, Spencer Primeau and Doug Harris all won skins in B. C flight winner was Ron Stanley with George Armstrong in second. Steve Ogilvie, Dave Mennie, Ron Stanley and George Armstrong won skins. Closest to the pin winners were Roger Amelotte, Tom Pegg, Glen Chaput and Kent Schaeffer.

Chippewa

Men’s League On May 12, Mike Pitzen upped his game from the previous week, shooting a 37 (+2) to win Low Gross again in the A-flight. Pat Joynt and Bill Hatt tied for First Low Net with net 38s. In the B-flight, Kyle Roote won First Low Gross with a 42, while Randy Roote took First Low Net with a net 34.

Pitzen was CTP on #5 and Gerry Call made the Longest Putt on #7. On May 5, the guys tackled the front nine, a par 35 track, and Mike Pitzen started the year with a bang. He won First Low Gross in the A-flight with a round of 41. Bruce MacGregor won First Low Net with a net score of 36. In the B-flight, Mike Cleary took First Low Gross with a 43, while Kyle Roote won First Low Net with a net 36. In the C-flight, Rick Robinson won First Low Gross with a 50, while Ross Young took First Low Net with a net 36. Tony Robinson won the Closest to the Pin competition on the fifth hole, and Bill Hatt sank the Longest Putt on #7.

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AROUND THE CLUBS Chippewa

Men’s Opening Tournament The tournament was held May 7 and the format was a three and four-man scramble, the traditional format for the tournament. The team of Derryl Urstadt with Bruce MacGregor, Bill Hatt and Charlie Schmalz burned up the course, easily winning the tournament with a seven under par 65. The threeman team of Andrew Cote, Mike Cleary and Larry Curtis won second prize with a 68, followed by the team of Gerry Call, Ron Caudle and Jim Norwood, tied with the team of Louis Bezaire, Phil Hunt and Kent Bergstrom. Closest to the Pin awards were won by Bruce MacGregor on #3, Gord Moore on #5, Phil Hunt on #9 and Hugh Morrison on #18. On the 13th hole, players who hit the par 3 green put their name into a bucket and those who missed the green put their names into another bucket. Draws were made at the dinner and prize presentation, and Andrew Cote won the “Hit the Green” competition while Mike Leary took the “Missed the Green” contest.

Senior Men’s Opening Tournament The Chippewa Senior Men started their season on May 3, with a four-man scramble format played over 18 holes. The team captained by Phil Hunt with Mike Cleary, Charlie Schmalz and Peter Day won with 68 (-4). The team captained by Gerry Call with Gord Moore, Peter Welford and Al Cruickshank tied for 2nd with the team captained by Mike Pitzen with Larry Curtis and Jim Connelly, both with scores of 70. Angelo Colontino was Closest to the Pin on #5.

Senior Men’s League In Senior Men’s golf action, the regular Tuesday outings began on May 10. Gerry Call had a good round on the first day, shooting 83 and winning First Low Gross in the A-flight, beating out Louis Bezaire by one stroke. Bezaire won Second Low Gross with an 84. Pat Joynt shot exactly his handicap as he won First Low Net with a net 72, followed by Bill Hatt with a net 76. In the B-flight, Peter Welford won First Low Gross with a great round of 95, two strokes ahead of Jim Connelly who was quite happy with his 97 and Second Low Gross honours. Gord Moore won First Low Net with a net 71, followed by Angelo Colontini with a net 72. Hugh Morrison sank the Longest Putt on the 13th hole, and Lou Bezaire made the Longest Putt on #15. On May 17, Lou Bezaire had the low round of the day, shooting 82 to win First Low Gross for the day. Hugh Morrison won Second Low Gross with an 84, followed by Mike Pitzen with a 93. Peter Welford won First Low Net with a net score of 74, followed by Jim Norwood and Lorne Lazenby, both carding net 75s. Hugh Morrison sank the Longest Putt on #9.

Ladies Golf News The Chippewa Ladies league started on May 10 with an 18-hole Low Net competition. Jan Holmes played to her handicap, winning First Low Net for the day with a net 72.

Barb Thomson sank the Longest Putt on #18. On May 17, prizes were awarded only for the low net scores on the back nine, and Kathy Cook had a great round, carding a net 37 and winning First Low Net for the day. Marguerite Strangways won the Hidden Hole prize on the fourth hole, and Jan Holmes made the Longest Putt on #18.

Ladies Opening Tournament The Chippewa Ladies had their opening day tournament on May 3 with a Low Net competition. Barb Thomson was the winner of the day with a great round, carding a net 76.

Marguerite Strangways won Second Low Net with a net 92, while Jan Holmes sank the Longest Putt on the eighteenth hole.

- submitted by Lorne Lazenby

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Kincardine

Men’s Night The top point getters using a modified Stableford system on May 12 were: Woody Widmeyer 25, Jarrett McIntosh 23 Steve Bell 21, Dale Burrows 20, Nute Catto 20, Dustin Catto 20, Terry Vangaver 20. May 5 Results: Dave Burrows 23 Ron Burrows 19, Doug Cowley 19, Frank Everett 19, Ken Parsons 19, Les Shane 19, Jim Shepherd 19, Blaine Sutter 19. Men’s night opener on April 30 - Round 1 winners - Jay Bell 23, Ron Burrows 23, Josh Gauthier 23, Tim Henderson 23, Don Martin 23. Round 2 winners - Richard Bowman 21 Art Danahay 19, Martin O’Connor 19, Blaine Sutter 19.

Legacy Ridge

Men’s Night On May 18 the winners were: Low gross - Six-way tie at 38: Gord Kletzel, Chase Amyot, Jason Traynor, Brady Welsh, Brent Keeling & Phil Carleton. Low Net: Mike Osborn & Cliff McMillan (31). Pins Winners: Longest Putt Made on #10: Michael Rea (11’ 3”), Closest to the Pin on #12: Jason Traynor (2’ 9”), Closest to the Pin on #14: Tim Cox (12’ 0”), Longest Putt Made on #16: Tanner Shlakat (17’ 2”), Closest to the Pin on #17: Brent Keeling (3’ 10”). May 11 winners: Low Gross - Phil Carleton and Chase Amyot (even par 36).

Pins Winners: Longest Putt Made #1- Grayham Santin (9’ 6”), Closest to the Pin #2 - David Huntley (6’ 1”), Closest to the Pin in 2 #4 - Ed Grandham (7’ 1”), Closest to the Pin #8 Shane Barker (4’ 11”), Longest Putt Made on #9 - Mario Golini (37’ 8”).

Continued on next page

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Page 13

Meet the GM

Andy Shaw takes over at Saugeen

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Shaw was also the convenor or those of you who of the junior Tyson Tour in haven’t heard the news southwestern Ontario from yet, Andy Shaw is the 2006 to 2015 and has seen new general manager of many players continue their Saugeen Golf Club. golf careers to college and He’s a London, Ont. native some even to the PGA Tour. who has worked in the golf He is also a graduate of the industry for 30 years.

Fanshawe’s Business His past experience Marketing program. includes working for private, Andy Shaw He has been married to his public and municipal golf wife Kim for 20 years and they courses and he has been a have two daughters, Mackenzie and general manager for more than 21 Jamie. years. His most recent positions as He says he’s excited about joining GM were at Dorchester Golf Course the team at Saugeen and is looking and Fanshawe Golf Course in the forward to getting to know members.

London area.

He replaces Jeff Myatt, who left at The 25-year member of the PGA of the end of March to pursue a career Canada started a varsity golf team at outside the golf industry.

Fanshawe in 2001 and was head The staff changes have also resultcoach for 14 years. ed in increased responsibilities for In 2006 he was a key player in assistant golf professional Mike developing and introducing the curricBlackburn who moves into the newulum for the Golf Management ly-created position of Director of Golf Program at Fanshawe. He also taught Operations. the program for two years.

AROUND THE CLUBS Meaford

Senior Men’s League The first game of the season was on May 3 and conditions were excellent for early May. Even the weather co-operated with sunny skies and light breezes.

While many members have a lot of rust to scrape off after the winter layoff, there were some notable exceptions. John McGee posted a gross 76 while 4 other golfers shot gross scores in the 80s. Milt Edwards was the top Super Senior. Ron Hall and John Dick won the 2 closest to the pin prizes and Peter Zahradnik won the closest to the rope prize. Anyone interested in joining the group should call Jack Peckitt at 519-599-6104.

Sauble

This year you can golf Sauble Golf & Country Club like you haven’t golfed it in years. The club has put the course back to its original order by reversing the front and back nines. Club owners say the change has been made to provide a higher level of customer service in three areas of business: pro shop service, food & beverage service and flow of play.

Grey-Bruce Golf •

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Reaching close to 12,000 golfers through print and digital versions • Facebook, Twitter, Instagram To advertise contact Steve Harron at 519-374-5759 or steveharron@sympatico.ca

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Baywest Toyota’s

Hole-in-One Club May 19 - Kim Belton from 162 yards with a 7 iron on #17 at Legacy Ridge Golf Club.

May 13 - Dave Smith from 125 yards with a 50 degree wedge on #17 at Cobble Beach Golf Links. It was his 3rd ace and 2nd at Cobble.

May 12 - Member Brian Bunn from 117 yards with a 5 hybrid on #14 at Scenic City Golf Course. He was golfing with Ben Durose, Gord Kelly and Nels Mckay.

May 11 - Legacy Ridge member Dave Parker with a pitching wedge from 100 yards on the club’s 12th hole. He was playing with Shane Barker, Rick Burns and Gord Kletzel.

Jan. 26 - Owen Sound’s George Clifford on #6 at Tara Golf and Country Club in Bradenton, Florida during a couple’s mixed event. It was his 4th ace but first at the Tara club. At the same tournament his wife Julie won the women’s closest to the pin prize on the very same hole.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who scores an ace this season please send the info to: steveharron@sympatico.ca Please include the date, yardage and club used.

Congratulations on your Hole-in-One! Josiah Dixon tees off at the 17th hole at Cobble Beach Golf Links during the Ontario Men’s Better Ball qualifier on May 2. He teamed up with Chris Frook to shoot 66 (-6) and win the event.

ONTARIO CHAMPIONSHIPS MEN’S BETTER BALL CHAMPIONSHIP hris Frook of Kemble and Josiah Dixon of Cobble Beach Golf Links fired a 71 (-1) to finish 18th at the Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship.

Placing first in the 54-team event was the duo of Simon Reyers of Brampton Golf Club and Peter Sauerbrei of Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. They shot 66 (-6) and won in a playoff. The championship was played May 12 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Downsview, Ontario.

Frook and Dixon qualified for the championship by shooting 66 (-6) at a qualifier at Cobble Beach on May 2.

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SENIOR WOMEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS atherine Butler of the Georgian Bay Club shot 81 and tied for 8th at the Ontario Senior Women’s Champion of Champions event on May 19 at Beverly Golf and Country Club in Hamilton.

Kimberley Legge of Saugeen Golf Club tied for 17th with an 85 and Ellen Horton of Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club tied for 30th after firing an 89.

The winner was Kathy Pilkey of Sleep Hollow Country Club in the Stouffville area.

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WOMEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS he Women’s Champion of Champions event was also held at the Beverly club on May 19 and Kathie Houghton of the Georgian Bay Club finished 30th after shooting a 90.

The winner was Julia Champion of Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club in Scarborough with a 73 (+3).

Both events featured champions from clubs that are members of Golf Ontario, formerly known as the Golf Association of Ontario.

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Page 15

Shawn Ringel General Manager

Baywest Nissan 202408 Sunset Strip, RR # 5, Owen Sound 519-372-2277 www.baywestnissan.ca

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