The upcoming Canadian Men’s Senior Golf tournament at Saugeen Golf and Country Club is a coup for the club, for Saugeen Shores and for Bruce County, when some of the world’s top senior golfers come in to take part.
As with many events held in the area, such as the Curling Tankard and Scotties, it is also a community achievement that is a family fun event.
The list of participants already registered for the 2024 Canadian Men’s Senior Golf at Saugeen Golf Club from September 12th – 15th (2024) is very impressive.
- Kevin Vandenberg from New York was the 2023 senior amateur of the year in the United States
- Doug Hanzel from Georgia is ranked #11 in the world
- Miles McConnell from Florida is actually a Canadian and is ranked #12 in the world
- Former PGA tour player Todd Fanning from Winnipeg
- Former PGA tour player Ashley Chinner from Oshawa
- Ken Brewer from Australia
- Steve Jensen from England
- Former Chicago Black Hawk player Adam Creighton from Port Colborne
- Dave Bunker form Niagara Falls
Kevin Vandenberg: VandenBerg won the Two Rivers Senior Invitational in 2023 and reached the quarterfinals of the Golfweek Senior National Match Play. Having won the Plantation Senior Invitational and finished third at the Gateway Senior Invitational to start 2024, VandenBerg now counts 13 top 5s in his last 20 starts.
VandenBerg splits the year between Naples, Florida, and Pulaski, New York. In 2023, his wife Nikki took a year off from her job as a middle school special education teacher so she could travel the senior amateur circuit with her husband. They often traveled by RV – an unusual method among VandenBerg’s competitors.
Golf is always a part of VandenBerg’s daily routine – whether it’s work in the morning and play in the afternoon or vice versa – and he recognizes the good fortune in that. A recent goal has been to get his game to the point that he can be competitive in the major events, and 2024 could be the year for that breakthrough.
Doug Hanzel: Doug Hanzel wins in playoff to capture the 2023 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. “I’m 66 but still competitive in senior golf. I don’t feel like a super senior, I’m still hitting it far. This was my third time playing the Canadian Seniors.”
Hanzel also won the Super Senior Championship (golfers 65-and-over) by six shots over Lance Lundy of Pemberton, B.C. and 2018 champion, Brady Exber of Las Vegas. By winning the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, Hanzel has earned an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
Like any of the tour stops that are seen on television, you will be able to walk the course and watch these accomplished golfers compete for the title.
An added bonus is ‘Golf Fest’ and the ‘Coors Light Tent’ featuring live entertainment, food, beverages, interactive games, live and silent auction … and more.
On September 12th, the weekend kicks off with a Canadian Big Band Celebration evening of jazz at Saugeen Golf & Country Club.
A Golf Fest Full Event pass for non-members is $50 and for members is $30. Purchase online at saugeengolf.com/seniors.
