In the News

[Jeffrey Reed]

Times are tough, but looks like the City of London is holding its own in golf operations. Although numbers are down, the City's trio of courses - Fanshawe, Thames Valley and River Road - hauled in $250,000 in profits last year, all of it put into a capital fund reserve. That number is about half of what the trio had produced in recent times. Rounds in 2008: about 50,000, down from recent round total of 65,000. Expenditures as of late have included irrigation replacement and clubhouse/pro shop updates. The City is forking out $100,000 for two golf simulators at Thames Valley . . . Remember wonder kid Kelvin Lam of London? He's 8 years old now and has just been granted a two-year membership at Sunningdale G&CC . . . London H&CC is pumped about hosting the 2010 Canadian Amateur. Tourney co-chair Scott Disney says, "It's a natural fit for us because it will be our 125th anniversary." Read my review of London Hunt here http://www.londonontariogolf.com/reviews/courses/course-londonhunt.htm . Of course, London Hunt hosted the 2006 CN Canadian Women's Open . . . Need a speaker for your charity golf tournament? Contact jeff@londonontariogolf.com for information.

[Jeffrey Reed]

Update from the 2009 Canadian Amputee National Open. There are currently 15 registered players, not including the minimum of 12 that are expected from Alberta. Australia has two registered golfers, two from the U.K. and more from South Africa. There are also four confirmed from the U.S. with the balance from Canada. And there are registrations from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Many more will register over the next month. The tourney is slated for July 27-31 at Greenhills GC in London. Read more here http://www.londonontariogolf.com/inthenews/viewtopic.php?t=3890

[Jeffrey Reed]

Mike Newman, Jason Wyatt and Ralph Bauer all posted 77 April 27 at Sarnia G&CC to tie for 1st at the Greater London Mini Tour opening event ... UWO Mustangs have a new golf coach. Chris Dickson now runs the women's team. He's a former pro on many tours and played in one Canadian Open. Jim Waite runs the men's squad for a 16th season ... Long-time London Hunt historian Howie Cameron now has a trophy named in his honour, to be awarded to the club's junior champ.

[Jeffrey Reed]

Congrats to Sunningdale G&CC's director of golf, Patty Howard. She's the latest named to the London Sports Hall of Fame, with induction dinner slated for Novermber 5. Howard, 2008 London Sportsperson of the Year, as well as 2007 CPGA and Ontario club pro of the year, was the first female head pro in Canada at a mixed club (West Haven, London). Congrats, Patty, from London Ontario Golf! Also inducted in November will be hockey's Walt McKechnie (Athlete-Modern), wrestling's Herry Geris (Athlete-Legend); hockey's Goldie Prodger; sportscaster Pete James; Builder/Founder-Legend Bill Farquarson; and the 1877 London Tecumsehs Baseball Club.

[Jeffrey Reed]

The Gof GC in Granton, just north of London, now utilizes a new online tee-time system. Visit http://www.reservationmasters.com/Default.aspx