August 15th 2024
It’s been a long-standing tradition here at RE/MAX Garden City Realty Inc. spanning several decades. Our annual ‘Hackers’ golf tournament. And as the name suggests it’s not really a serious golf tournament. It’s meant to embrace all kinds of talent and experience, incorporating golfers who are ‘scratch’ caliber all the way to people who have never held a club in their hands. And believe me, we get people from both ends of the spectrum and everything in between. But it’s designed to be a social event where our agents and friends can just go out and have some fun. And it very much accomplishes that.
This year in addition to all the other components of a golfing event, we had an ongoing battle with the weather. Originally scheduled for July 10th, that date had to be set aside because we were about to experience the aftermath of a hurricane moving up from the Caribbean. The new date, two weeks later, fell on July 24th, and wouldn’t you know it, in the middle of a relatively dry summer and a totally dry week, there was one day where thunderstorms and heavy rains were forecast. You guessed it – July 24th.
The first tee times were scheduled for around 12:00 noon. And that’s when the skies opened up. For a 1/2 hour or so it absolutely poured. And a few times after that there was intermittent rain. But for the most part, once things got underway and we started, people stayed relatively dry.
The venue this year was Sawmill Golf Course, just past the Thorold Tunnel. Over the years we’ve played at a number of locations throughout Niagara. It all started at Municipal, but we’ve been to Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Davids, Fonthill to name just a few. Always 9 holes. And because of the diverse range of ability and experience, always ‘best ball’ format, which fortunately means you don’t have to face the aftermath of a horrible shot. As long as at least one member of your foursome knows what he or she is doing and hits a reasonable shot, you’re all good.
Since Covid we’ve found it difficult to arrange a shotgun start. Especially with only 9 holes and less than 72 golfers at play. Which means first foursome off the tee has more time to chill at the end of the round than a group who got off a little later in the day.
In addition to the fun and frolic around the course and the camaraderie out on the patio afterword, an absolute highlight of Sawmill is the fabulous dinner they put on. Thick cut roast beef, baked potatoes and vegetables. Don’t know where they got the beef but it was 
sensational. And after dinner a few golf trophies were awarded. Even though it’s a ‘scramble’ format, 9 hole, and hackers, we do recognize longest drive and closest to the pin for both men and women. And this is where the pros in our group really shine.
A special thanks to Phyllis Gleeson, our semi-retired manager, who worked tirelessly in setting this up – not once, but twice due to the postponement. A very special gal who always does a wonderful job and is such a delight to know and work with. Thanks Flippy!
So that’s it for another year. Wonderful group of people we’re blessed to work and play with and be a part of. And in spite of the rain, a fabulous fun-filled event once again.
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