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Community Living Brant hosts annual golf tournament

FeaturesCommunity Living Brant hosts annual golf tournament

Community Living Brant hosted its 34th annual Circle of Friends golf tournament on Friday, August 12.

Over 25 teams took to the course at Oaks of St. George for the annual fundraising event, with all proceeds going to Community Living Brant’s Pathways program, which supports young people in the community.

“The tournament was amazing. We had great weather. We had lots of support from the community, lots of dedication from our volunteers who come back year after year to help support Community Living Brant and we’re incredibly grateful,” said Cristin Ladner, Executive Director of Community Living Brant.

Glen Noseworthy keeps a close eye on his birdie attempt at the par three, 3rd hole.
Susan Carre, Julie Carr and Jess Azzopardi pose for a photo on the green of the par three, 5th hole.

Besides hitting the links, participants could also compete in a number of other activities, including a putting competition, longest drive competition, a closest to the pin contest and four opportunities at a hole-in-one-challenge.

Organizers also invited Kelly Rudney, the 2021 Amateur Long Drive World Champion, to the event. Rudney was stationed at the par five, ninth hole where residents could take their tee shots and then watch Rudney show off her prowess, hitting golf balls over 300 yards down the middle of the fairway.

A group of participants pose for a photo with Kelly Rudney, 2021 Amateur Long Drive World Champion, before teeing off at the par five, 9th hole.

“These events are a lot of fun. The golfers get to take their shots and then I go up and take mine. It’s always fun to be a part of things like this,” said Rudney, who was attending the Circle of Friends tournament for the first time.

Kelly Rudney, 2021 Amateur Long Drive World Champion, demonstrates her incredible long driving capabilities.

The tournament returned for the second time since 2020, when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We returned in 2021, but not in the typical format with a sit down dinner. It was the takeaway dinner as it was today,” said Ladner. “We’re hoping that next year, we can kind of return to the good old days of gathering together and enjoying a meal together. But in the meantime, we’re making do with current circumstances and having a great time.”

A participant chips onto the green at the par four, 7th hole.

The golf tournament is the only fundraiser of the year for the organization and Ladner shared her expectations for the event.

“Last year, I believe, we raised $12,000 so I am hoping we can raise closer to $15,000 this year,” she said. 

Dave Rourke rips his tee shot down the fairway at the par five, 11th hole.

With this year’s tournament now in the books, Ladner explained the benefit of hosting an event like the Circle of Friends tournament.

“I would say that the fun is in seeing people and seeing people actually turn up and support us when it’s been a two and a half year drought of really getting to connect with people,” said Ladner. “It’s about being outdoors and making sure that we’re all staying safe and physically distant but still connecting with people who we haven’t really had an opportunity to connect with over these past few years.”

Pam Johnston keeps an eye on her second shot at the par five, 11th hole.
Shandi Johnston reacts to almost sinking her team’s birdie putt at the par five, 11th hole.
Shandi Johnston, Pam Johnston, Dave Rourke and Dave Ridout pose for a photo after getting a birdie on the par five, 11th hole during the Circle of Friends Golf Tournament on Friday, August 12.

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