It’s official! The Canadian Men’s Senior Amateur Championship, with a 156-player field, has begun at Saugeen Golf Club in Saugeen Shores, Bruce County.
Established in 1962, the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship has grown to become one of most popular amateur golf events in Canada and, today, golfers from around the world are participating from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, England, from throughout the United States and across Canada.
Following a day of practice, the driving force behind bringing the event to Saugeen Shores, Ken Dunlop, emceed the opening ceremony held on Wednesday, September 11th, introducing the several dignitaries who attended, including Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau.
“Without a doubt this is the best golf course in Huron-Bruce,” said MP Ben Lobb. “It is fantastic and is a result of all the investments made here. It has definitely become a destination course and it is great that Golf Canada had the faith to have this major tournament here.”
Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody also said that everyone should be proud of the work that has been done.
“I know the members are looking forward to a great success with golfers from around the world participating.”
Recently re-elected Saugeen First Nation Chief, Conrad Ritchie, welcomed everyone to the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibwe Nation that is “… shared with Chief Nadjawon of the Chippewas of Nawash.
There was a time when we were all Indigenous to the land and
the water. Individuals from away, in Europe for example, have had a long history of oppression but here it’s only been some 200 years.
We are all connected one way or another and we are here close to nature and the spirit we have, in a way, through sport like this.”
Mayor Luke Charbonneau also welcomed everyone saying that “… the greatest asset the community has is its people.”
The highlight of the opening took place when renowned golfer, Super Sr. Champion 90 year old Jack Northey of Southampton, took the ceremonial official tee-off. Without hesitation, he stepped up to the tee and hit the ball long and straight with a shot that would leave much younger golfers envious.
Prior to the opening ceremony, Ken Brewer of Australia, said that having played senior golf around the world, Saugeen is “… comparable to anywhere, the conditions and the variability. Personally, I like the older style golf courses such as the Legacy 9, coming back from the 1920s that has some of those old-style features. Sunrise, the second 9, uses the topography really well and that’s also what I like.”
Brewer went on to say that “… it’s not just the welcome we have received from the membership and Golf Canada, it’s the community which has been just wonderful, as a visitor coming here.” Brewer received an exemption to the US Sr. Championship and, subsequently to the Canadian event as he has been on the Australian Sr. team eight times and is world ranked. Brewer and his wife, Lisa also his caddie and a Canadian from Hamilton, will be visiting family while in Canada.
Round 1
The Senior Championship is played over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes. Round one took place on Thursday, September 12th, with the following standings for the top 10:
After the first round, John Bearrie of Pennsylivania and Bryan Hoops of Arizona are co-leaders both at four under par.
Trailing them are Canadians Phil Patterson (Prescott, ON), Ashley Chinner (Brooklin, ON), and Doug Brophy (Burlington, ON) who all sit at 2-under following rounds of 70. Christopher Henri (Baie-D’Urfé, QC), Steve Wheeler (Whistler, B.C.), Todd Fanning (Winnipeg, MB) and Luc Guilbault (Drummondville, QC) are tied for six at 1-under (71).
The champion that will be determined and recognized on Sunday, September 15th, will receive an automatic exemption into the United States Golf Association’s Senior Amateur championship at Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville, N.C., August 23-28, 2025.
Photo Gallery – Opening Ceremony Day (for larger view, Click on Image)
The Coors Light Tent is a happening place over the weekend.
