By Paul Dietz
Niagara GC – the oldest golf course in North America – was the site for the 2011 CB Macdonald Challenge and The Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship on Sept. 10-11.
The weatherman looked favourably on the Niagara GC in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and provided us with perfect golfing conditions – low humidity and gentle breezes off Lake Ontario.
The tournament field included eight ladies, eight super-seniors, 20 seniors and 20 “youngsters” in the open division for a record field of 56 players!
The first day’s play was with pre-1900 equipment. The first nine holes were played in the foursomes format – alternate shot – and the second nine holes was in the fourball format – better ball. The team winning the the most holes in each match scored one point for his / her team.
After the first day’s play, Team USA lead the Canadians by two points – 15 to 13.
On the second day of play, the players switched to their post-1900 hickory clubs. The lower score in each pair scored a point for his / her team.
The American team won 17 of the 28 matches. Team USA won the CB Macdonald Challege with a score of 32 points to 24.
In the Eastern Canadian Hickory Championship, each player played nine holes of pre-1900 golf. Alison Spouge lead the ladies with a 48. Bill Turville lead the super senior division with a 41. Low score of the day was 39 for Bobby Sly.
This was followed on the second day by 18 holes of medal play using post-1900 equipment. Brian Schuman had the low round of the day – a 74! Sly was close behind with a 76. Both finished regulation play with 115.
In the playoff, both Sly and Schuman missed the par 4 first green. Sly managed to get up and down from off the green – by sinking a 12-footer. Schuman missed from closer range, giving the title to Sly.
Congratulations to all our winners – fine golf!
Trophies were presented to the following ….
Ladies’ Division – Champion: Alison Spouge (London, Ontario) / Runner up: Meg McLachlin (London, Ontario)
Super Senior Division – Champion: William Turville (Toronto, Ontario) / Runner up: Doug Marshall (London, Ontario)
Senior Division – Champion: Gary McNutt (Presto, Ohio) / Runner up: Terry Howarth (Washington, Pennsylvania)
Open Division – Champion: Bob Sly (Amherstview, Ontario) in a playoff with Brian Schuman (Long Island, New York)
Special thanks to the American players for joining us in Canada! We enjoyed hosting this event and hope you had a wonderful visit to Canada!
Please join the Golf Historical Society of Canada for the 2012 CB Macdonald Challenge, scheduled for Sept. 7-9.
The 2012 entry form can be found at www.ghsc.ca. Please enter early, as this event will fill quickly. Entries close July 1, 2012.
