87th Annual Golf Classic

As the families gathered and mingled in the morning for registration, photos and warm up it was obvious that everyone had really missed the event over the last two years. It was great to see families renew acquaintances and welcome new families to the event.

2022 also saw a significant proposal go to the Fathers at their annual meeting for a vote. The proposal had been developed and worked on by Gary Isaacs, Ernie Coetzee, Michael Boyer, Ralph Lauer and Ken Lancaster. Although the event was founded in 1935 and had become an important family tradition for many families over the years, there were issues that needed to be addressed. Participation in the event had been declining for a number of years and reached a low point in 2022. Despite the heroic efforts of James Waite there were a number of issues with the Father and Three Sons website and web hosting. There was also a lack of consistency year to year as information was not always documented and shared for the current host family.

This led to the proposal that was shared with the Fathers by Gary Isaacs. The proposal was essentially to create a “Father and Three Sons Board of Directors” (later named The Father and Three Sons Committee). The host family would continue to focus on the current year event. The committee would focus on broader subjects, website, marketing, newsletter, etc. In addition to proposing a board of directors the proposal also included the idea of entering into a partnership with Park Place Financial where PPF would become the Exclusive Title Sponsor of the Father and Three Sons annual event. This sponsorship would include a significant annual donation from PPF to FATS and the contribution of resource to help with marketing.

As per the constitution, the proposal required unanimous agreement by the Fathers as the proposal had not been sent to the host family prior to June. After listening to the presentation there was active discussion and questions by the fathers. Once all questions were answered the fathers voted unanimously to accept the motion for the creation of the committee and the sponsorship. This is a very significant decision and will have a positive impact on the Father and Three Sons event and organization for many years to come.

The day ended with the traditional tailgating in the parking lot prior to dinner. The dinner (which was delicious), family speeches and award presentation followed.

There is no doubt that everyone in attendance agreed that we want the event to continue, to prosper and to grow.

Thanks again to the Kerr’s for organizing and we are looking forward to 2023 host by the Golfis in Niagara.