2014 Provincial Golf Representatives From Grande Meadows

2014 Provincial Golf Representatives From Grande Meadows

For the first time this year, Grande Meadows had 3 male members represent the province of NL at Atlantic and National Golf Tournaments. The Provincial Golf Championships were hosted by Grande Meadows from July 4 – 6 with approximately 90 golfers participating in several divisions in both male and female.

Photo: L to R: Ray Walsh, Matthew Hackett, Bob Hoyles

Bob Hoyles and Ray Walsh were part of the NL Seniors Team at the Atlantic Golf Championships which were held from August 15 – 17 at the Bell Bay Course in Baddeck, NS. Walsh had scores of 80, 81 and 84 for a 3 day total of 245 while Hoyles carded scores of 83, 85 and 87 for a 3 day total of 255. Their NL team finished 4th just 3 strokes behind PEI.

Hoyles then went on to represent NL at the National Senior Golf Championships which were held at the Capilano Golf and Country Club in West Vancouver, BC from August 26 – 29. Hoyles had scores of 93 and 94 in his two days of competition on a very long course with lightning fast greens. Unfortunately these scores weren't enough for Hoyles to qualify for the final two rounds of competition. Hoyles says, " I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing with some great players at the Nationals but I would have liked to have scored a little better." However, he says, "He looks forward to another crack at making the NL Senior team when the Provincials are played at Twin Rivers Golf Course in Port Blandford in July of 2015."

Matthew Hackett made the NL Mid Amateur Team and qualified for the National Championships which were held at the Barrie Country Club in Barrie, ON from September 16 – 19.  Hacket carded scores of 84 and 90 over the 6500 yard golf course which played quite a bit longer than the courses he is used to playing. Through in the very quick greens and it makes for a tough round. Hackett's scores didn't qualify him for the final 2 rounds of competition.

Thinking back on his experiences at being at the Nationals for the first time Hackett says, "I got the opportunity to meet some great people and see some superb golf. It was the experience of a lifetime!" He goes on to say, "I ended up taking a few more shots than I was hoping for, but I enjoyed each and every one of them! Hopefully some day I will get another chance to get back to a national tournament!"

Hackett summed up his views on the tournament by saying, "Watching those top players on the range and on the course was something special in itself. But, it makes you wonder, how good must the pro's be?"

Hackett's teammates for the event were Chuck Conley on Bally Haly and Gary Dunville of Harmon Seaside Links in Stephenville.