The 2012 edition of the Canadian Hickory Championship was held Aug. 15-17 in Sherwood Park, Edmonton, Alberta. Once again, host Ron Lyons has outdone himself at The Legends, his fine, 27-hole course.
To add to the celebration, the event marked the celebration of 100 years of golf in Alberta. Ron dressed for the occasion by breaking out his red Captain’s Jacket to add a historic note and some formality to the occasion. This was lost on his Canadian comrades who called him, by turns, “a lion tamer,” “Johnny Walker,” a “fox hunter,” and a “most oddly dressed caddie.”
Tthe Alberta golf motto – “To grow the game with Passion while upholding the Integrity and Traditions of the Game” – was well demonstrated by all the competitors in the U.S./Canada Ryder Cup-style matches. Once again the Canadian team prevailed winning 331/2 to 101/2 .
The tournament itself became a celebration of the Ream family. Michael Ream won the 27-hole championship with a 3-over score. His father, Chris, won the Senior Division with 2 over. And, as Ron noted, Chris’s daughter, Elizabeth, now a teaching pro in the area, could not make it or it would likely have been a family sweep.
The highlight of the closing banquet was full-costume traditional native sun dance performed by Rick Beaudreau, a Legends member and hickory golfer. You will note in the photo gallery such old hickories as Max Hill and Russ Fisher digging the great moves. Rick shared with the crowd his honor at being asked to share his native heritage with us. He received a standing ovation!
There were 84 competitors in the Canadian Open Hickory Championship. In Friday’s celebration of 100 years of golf in Alberta golf, there were 200 players all of whom were supplied with hickory sticks.
A great hosting job again this year by Ron and Legends co-owner Edwin Chan. Visit their website at www.thelegends.ca.
Make a note on your calendar to visit this wonderful part of Canada and play in this event! Dates for 2013 are Aug. 15-17.