Golfing for the Goal

Golf Tournament

A perfect summer day, an immaculate golf course, plenty to eat and drink, and the stage was set for what turned out to be one of the best charity golf events of the season.

As participants arrived, they were greeted by friendly staff who whisked away their golf bags to a long line of waiting golf carts. On the deck at Whitewater Golf course, a beverage was offered compliments of PMA Gran Marnier and the teams checked in.  A complimentary lunch was waiting just around the corner and in a very short period of time the deck was a buzz of energy as old friends greeted one another, teams planned their strategies, and others simply relaxed in the warm early afternoon sun.

The horn sounded and the teams were off to their shotgun start.  Each hole featured an Italian trivia question.  The team with the most correct answers had a nice prize waiting for them in the clubhouse.  As participants rounded the pristine fairways and greens of Northern Ontario’s finest golf course, many surprises lay in store.

In the middle of the course, there is a small structure, affectionately known as the hut.  It is accessed by four separate holes so each team would have the opportunity to pass by twice.  What they found at the hut was live Italian music and tasty lamb kebobs and chicken wings provided compliments of the Gran Sasso Club.

Nourished by tasty food, uplifting music and a cold beverage, teams moved on to the next hole and very soon encountered a tent with familiar music wafting from it.  Is that the “tarantella”?   As each team passed by they were given the opportunity to make a donation, or dance the tarantella with the colourful and gregarious Frank Pontisso.  Gourmet appetizers generously supplied by the Valhalla Inn could be snacked on while reflecting on the execution of this traditional Italian dance.

Shortly, teams could come upon an event common in many golf tournaments, the putting contest.  This contest looked quite different though, and it wasn’t the sight of the Molson girls hosting the event.  It was all of this meat lying around the putting green, salami, procuitto, mortadella?  Rather than aiming for the holes, you aimed for the meat, generously donated by CavTal Foods.  Any guesses at to what the prize would be for winning the putting contest?

After a great round of golf, a shower or sauna, or simply a cold beverage, the Whitewater staff hosted a gourmet dinner with an Italian theme.  Many generous sponsors ensured a wonderful prize table having each participant leaving with a bag full of goodies.

Left now are not only the memories and the promise of another great event in 2009, but a contribution of over $15,000 from the participants and sponsors that will further the mission of the Institute.

Date: June 8, 2007

Location: Whitewater Golf Course