It has been a very impressive stretch of golf for Ken-Wo Golf Club’s competitive playing members having recently won two provincial crowns to go along with two runner-up finishes.

I would like to take this opportunity to send out a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Ken-Wo’s very own Laura Harris and Sam Holland on their recent victories at the Nova Scotia Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championships.  I would also like to congratulate Ally Tidcombe on an impressive showing at the Amateur championships (runner-up to Sam Holland), as well as John Deacon on his strong performance at last week’s Nova Scotia Midget Championships where he lost the overall title in a 1 hole playoff, another runner-up finish.

Laura was successful in winning her 3rd Women’s Amateur title at the Grandview Golf Club in Halifax, N.S.  Her four day total of 313 (75-82-77-79) led her to a decisive 12 shot victory over Mireille Leblanc – 2008 NS Women’s Amateur Champion.  Laura’s first victory in the event came as 15 yr old in 2004, followed by yet another victory at Ken-Wo in 2007.  Please join me in congratulating Laura and wishing her the best of luck in the 2009 Canadian Women’s Amateur to be held at the Royal Oaks Golf Club in Moncton, N.B. from July 27-31st.

Sam was successful in winning his first Men’s Amateur crown at the Osprey Ridge Golf Club in Bridgewater as he defeated fellow club mate Ally Tidcombe in a one-hole playoff.  Holland (turns 19 in September) becomes the 3rd youngest player to ever win the title (Brightwood’s Gordie Smith in 1981 – 18 yrs and 3 mths and John T MacLeod of Abercrombie in 1971 – 18 yrs and 6 mths). Both young Ken-Wo players played some wonderful golf, but unfortunately there has to be a winner and Sam was victorious on this occasion.  Sam (72-76-71-70) and Ally (71-71-71-76) finished the event tied at a total of 289 on the par 72 layout.  The playoff began on hole # 10, a down hill par 3 measuring approximately 170 yards in length.  Both players hit the green with their tee shots and left themselves with excellent chances for birdie.  Ally was first to play with his putt burning the lip while Sam followed and made his putt for birdie and the overall title.

Please join me in congratulating both Sam and Ally on a very impressive showing at last weeks’ event.  Both players will now represent the province at the 2009 Canadian Men’s Amateur to be held in Blainville, Quebec at the Club de Golf Blainville from August 9th to 13th.  It was also brought to my attention that this will be the first time since 1971 (John T MacLeod – Abercrombie and Gerry MacMillan – Paragon) that two junior boys make up half of the N.S. Willingdon Cup Team – very impressive for both young players. 

One final note on this very successful week for Ken-Wo golfers!  Victories by Laura and Sam mark the first time since 1999 that both the women’s and men’s provincial amateur champions hail from the same club.  The feat was last accomplished in 1999 by Don Sollows (won at Ken-Wo) and Ruth Maxwell from the Oakfield Golf Club.

Once again, congrats to Laura and Sam on their provincial crowns, and to Ally and John on their impressive runner-up finishes.  Also, best of luck to the Ken-Wo junior boys at this weeks’ N.S. Junior Championships and best of luck to everyone at their respective 2009 Canadian Championships!

Thank you,

Rene

Rene MacKay

Director of Golf & Operations

Ken-Wo Golf Club