On Friday night November 26, Board Chairman Keith Howse as well as Board members Jeannette Lundrigan and Barry Stacey took part in the Golf NL AGM via Zoom.
The meeting was attended by the Board of Directors of Golf NL as well as several members of the Board of Directors of Golf Canada along with various committee members and course representatives from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
President of Golf Canada Liz Hoffman brought greetings on behalf of the national organization. In her comments she was quite proud of Newfoundland and Labrador and the growth shown in the game of golf in the province. She singled out Blair Bursey and his success after going through the Golf NL and Golf Canada programs.
As well Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada and Jeff Hutt, Golf Canada Regional Director for Golf Canada brought along greetings. Applebaum alluded to the fact that the average of golfers in Canada has fallen from 56 years in 2019 to just over 50 years in 2021 while Hutt applauded the fact that the numbers of scores entered into the Golf Canada Handicap system has increased tremendously in the past 2 year.
Adam Hunter, Director of Grow the Game for Golf Canada gave an insight into the new First Tee program being introduced into Atlantic Canada this year.
Golf NL President Janine Fraser in her report said, “We have been one of the fortunate industries to flourish as we provided a space for outdoor recreation in a world that closed so many doors. We have been blessed during these turbulent times to see an increase in membership.” Those words were echoed by all representatives who spoke at the meeting including Grande Meadows Board Chairperson Keith Howse.
Executive Director of Golf NL, Greg Hillier, in his comments mentioned that Golf NL is in very good shape financially and all programs for 2021 were very well received with fantastic support from golf courses across the island and in Labrador. He mentioned that the 2022 Go Golf booklets are now available and already over 25% have been sold. This year there are 1000 only being sold and you can buy one by checking on the Golf NL Website. https://www.golfnl.ca/
Janine Fraser has 1 year left as President of Golf NL and Dean Sullivan Vice President, Jim Sloan Rules Director, Wayne Allen Junior Director and Ed Roche Marketing Director all have 1 year remaining in their positions.
There were some 2 year positions available this year and new Board members include Peggy Vokey Treasurer, Lorilee Sharpe Secretary, Sandra Sparrow Course Rating Director and Nathan Peters Competitions Director. Barry Stacey was elected Membership Director which has 1 year remaining on the position as the previous person had to step away.
It was a very informative meeting and great to hear people from across the Newfoundland and Canada speaking about golf activities. Their experiences seem very similar to what we are experiencing at Grande Meadows.
