The 14th annual Charles Blair Macdonald Challenge was played Sept. 9-11 at the historic Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course. The course is the oldest in North America on its original site. It has been ranked in the Top 10 short courses in the world (excluding the United States) by Golf Magazine.
The tournament format has been altered over the years, and the event is now “three tournaments in one.”
Canadian Gutty Championship
Thirty-eight gutty enthusiasts teed off on the Friday and Saturday mornings to determine the Canadian Gutty Champion.
Tom Johnson’s 72 in the first round and Bill Geisler’s 73 in the second round were the highlights of the event. Johnson followed up with a 75 on Saturday, to take the Canadian Gutty Championship title with a score of 147. Geisler followed with a score of 149 to take the runner-up trophy. Honourable mention goes to Steve Simer (77 – 76) and Bill Truppe (78 -81).
Charles Blair Macdonald Challenge
The Charles Blair Macdonald Challenge is a team event that commemorates the first international golf match in North America. The field was divided into four teams – Team USA, Team Eastern Ontario, Team Western Ontario, and The International Team.
Fifty-four avid golfers – 10 women, 10 super seniors, 15 seniors and 19 open division players – played 18 holes with pre-1900 equipment – gutty balls, smooth face irons and long nose woods; and 18 holes of post-1900 golf. Each contestant played a match against the others in his/her foursome to determine the team champions.
After Saturday’s round, Team USA led with 25 points. Team Western Ontario was in second place with 20.5 points, followed by the International Team with 19 points, and Team Eastern Ontario with 13.5 points.
Sunday’s weather was much more pleasant – temperatures in the upper 60s and a gentle breeze off Lake Ontario made for ideal playing conditions. Play was with post-1900 hickory equipment – mesh ball, socket woods and irons with markings on the face.
Team Western Ontario came on strong, and won 22.5 points. Team USA won 17 points. The International Team scored 14.5 points, and Team Eastern Ontario won 11 points.
Final scoring in the matches had Team Western Ontario on top at 43 points. Team USA followed close behind with 42 points; the International Team scored 33.5 points; and Team Eastern Ontario scored 24.5 points.
Congratulations to Team Western Ontario – you defended the title that you won in 2015!
Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship
The Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship is a 54-hole medal play event using pre- and post-1900 hickory golf equipment.
The winners:
Super Senior Champion – Wayne Linton (271)
Super Senior Runner-up – William Stewart (273)
Senior Champion – Bill Wardwell (232)
Senior Runner-up – Robert McWade (238)
Open Champion – Tom Johnson (225)
Open Runner-up – Steve Simer (229)
Winners in the 36-hole division:
Ladies Champion – Amanda Sly (187)
Ladies – Virginia Sunstrum (189)
Super Senior Champion – Frank Collis (190)
Super Senior Runner-up – Norm Moreau (209)
Senior Champion – David Nash (179)
Open Champion – John Bennett (175)
Open Runner-up – Doug Ross (178)
Jim McNeil Trophy
The golfer scoring best over the course of 54 holes wins the Jim McNeil Trophy. McNeil was a very good hickory golfer who left us way too young. This trophy is a memorial to Jim.
Tom Johnson became a three-time recipient of this award with his score of 225. Well done, Tommy!
Congratulations to all our winners!
Note: I hold places for 2016 participants in the 2017 event until March 15, 2015. After that date, I fill the field with players from the waiting list.
This is a limited field event. Get your entries in early to avoid disappointment. I hope you can join us.
The 2017 entry form is available at www.ghsc.ca