2014 Recap

79th Annual Golf Classic

Horseshoe Resort's Highlands Course

2014 Event Summary

2014 Scramble Recap

The 79th Annual Father and Three Sons Golf Classic was held on Friday, August 22nd at Horseshoe Resort’s Highlands Course in Barrie, Ontario.

As has become tradition, the day before saw many of the tournament families (21 of 28!) take advantage of reduced rates to spend time with family members, get the lay of the course and, in the case of those who contributed to the optional Scramble pool, try and win back some of their entry fee! In the end, the Lancasters and Kerrs split the honours by posting a -11 on a course that featured undulating greens and extremely fast putts.

The Burkholder and Clugston families were the lead off groups so they could be the first to2014_Scramble_Reception_1.jpg (1227895 bytes) welcome golfers and late arrivals alike to an informal gathering at the Crazy Horse tavern. The evening festivites carried across the lane into The Inn, where many of the families stayed overnight in rooms with preferred FATS rates. The evening turned into late night cards and, for some, early morning revelry, with tales of boisterous sons and lost fathers becoming an instant addition to Father and Three Sons lore.

2014 Tournament Recap

Golfers woke to cloudy skies and misty rain, but that didn’t dampen spirits as the families began arriving at the course for sign-in, pictures and warming up on the practice green and the driving range before the Noon shotgun. A complimentary BBQ burger or hot dog provided the necessary energy to play the challenging but fair course, which was in great condition.

The mist tapered off to allow the teams to show off their “uniforms” in the team and group pictures, and to ensure that Sam Hisey (the oldest golfer – 85) and Jaden Condotta (youngest – 13) had no excuses for errant drives during the Ceremonial Tee Off. No excuses were needed, as each stepped up confidently and knocked their ball straight and far.

After a reminder of the rules and pin placements, the golfers were marshalled out to their starting holes for an on-time beginning of the tournament. The rain held off and some blue started to show through the clouds about 5 holes in, gradually expanding so that the final 6-7 holes were played under beautiful blue skies. Of course this meant the greens got faster as the day progressed, which combined with very difficult pin placements to make putting even more challenging.

The course and conditions led to rave reviews, with many calling Horseshoe Highlands a true “Golfer’s Golf Course” – no two holes alike, expansive layout, tight fairways but forgiving rough – an absolute joy to play. Further contributing to the enjoyment were the Mott’s Clamato station on Hole 17 and the Molson station on Hole 8. Clint made a mean Caesar and provided a lesson in terminology when referred to as a Mixologist – “Mixologists make drinks, Bartenders make nights!”. The Molson Girl proved more than just a pretty face when asked by one group to take a tee shot. After mild protestations that she wasn’t a golfer, she borrowed a driver and nailed a 220 yard drive with a slight draw to land in the middle of the fairway, after which she admitted “Well, I play a bit”.

After the final handshakes were made and the side-bets settled, the group moved to the parking lot to celebrate (or commiserate) with family members, introduce new friends, and start cleaning up for the annual Banquet.

2014 Banquet Recap

When all had gathered in the Alpine Room at Horeshoe Resort, Scott Clugston began his emcee duties and welcomed all the families, thanking the staff for a wonderful event, and asking John Nash to say a poignant grace.

Shortly after everyone had a chance to go through the buffet line, which featured a delicious Prime Rib and BBQ Chicken, Scott called upon Geof Lauer and Bruce Waite to share some of their many memories of the tournament, having played originally as “sons” and then switching to “father” when they had three sons of their own. Their anecdotes included personal variations of the frienship, bonds and shenanigans that invariably accompany the tournament, all of which become more pronounced with each year that the tradition and commitment continues within the family. It’s a commitment that should be recognized by everyone, including wives, girlfriends and significant others, Geof Lauer suggested, pointing out that the tournament date is known a year in advance and therefore “You don’t get married on the weekend of the Father and 3 Sons!”

This year it was the Youngest Son who was called upon to do the Family Introductions, with the continued tradition of standing ovations and deafening applause welcoming the First Year families. Most of the introductions were very succinct as each son briefly identified their family members identified and stated the number of years in the tournament. During the Hisey family introduction, it was revealed that Sam Hisey, the oldest golfer in the tournament, was celebrating his 85th Birthday that day! This was greeted with an ovation that led into a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

Among the last sons to speak, Ryan Burkholder took the opportunity to read a poem he composed the night before for his father, Howard, who has battled health complications to keep the Father and Three Sons tradition going for their family.

Half The Dad

If you could ponder for a moment please, a man who's given all,
To a cause called a son without questioning why.
He's always been there to answer your call.
Not perfect, oh no, but none of us are.
Mistakes are a part of the game.
The sacrifices many, the thanks far between.
So today we say "Thanks"
And hope we can be half the dad that you've been.

Ryan Burkholder

Son of Howard

Following the introductions, the prize and trophy winners were announced and called to the front to be congratulated.

As a wrap-up for the evening, Scott Clugston took time to thank the members of his family and the Burkholders (co-hosts) for all the hard work that went into making such a successful tournament. He also recognized the many families and businesses who made additional donations and/or sponsored holes on the course.

The evening concluded with the traditional passing of the Host Family Trophy to the Boyers, who will host the 80th Annual Father and Three Sons Golf Classic in 2015 at Deer Creek in Ajax, Ontario.

2014 Recap

79th Annual Golf Classic

2014 Event Summary

2014 Scramble Recap

2014 Tournament Recap

2014 Banquet Recap

Half The Dad

2014 Award Winners

Low Gross

Gallo

Low Net

Coetzee

2nd Low Gross

Lancaster

2nd Low Net

Butler

3rd Low Gross

Boyer

3rd Low Net

McBride

Closest to the Lauers

Den Ouden

Closest to the Coyles

Luciani

Longest Drive (Fathers)

Bill Kerr Sr.

Longest Drive (Sons)

Spencer Coetzee

Closest to Pin (Fathers)

John Nash

Closest to Pin (Sons)

Mike Lancaster

Scramble Winners

Kerr/Lancaster

2014 Family Photos

Bain

1st Year

Boyer

20th Year

Burkholder

7th Yr (Howard)/2nd Yr (Chris)

Butler

5th Year

Clugston

9th Year

Coetzee

7th Year

Condotta

6th Year

Den Ouden

1st Year

Gallo

9th Year

Golfi

2nd Year

Henderson

4th Year

Hisey

17th Year

Isaacs

12th Year

Kerr

5th Year

Lancaster

8th Year

Lauer (Geof)

15th Year

Lauer (Ralph)

15th Year

Lauer Families

Luciani

20th Year

McBride

2nd Year

McLennan

1st Year

Nash

31st Year

Nishikawa

6th Year