October 15, 2014
Putting Challenge a big hit for Georgian Lakelands
The tiered course on a ski hill was a real challenge for those taking part in the Georgian Lakelands Chapter Putting Contest.
Georgian Lakelands Chapter created an event that resulted in fun for all members, while raising funds for community events.

The inaugural Cascades Putting Challenge took place at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ont., on Sep. 11, attracting 65 members challenging the 18 hole putting range.

This unique putting facility, which opened in 2011, is listed as a par 67.  The course is located on the face of the ski hill, with holes on five levels, offering participants moving along the difficult course that provides some spectacular and panoramic views of the resort.

Event chair Michael LaPorte CLT, from Clearview Nurseries in Stayner, wanted to achieve three goals. “I wanted to offer a different enjoyable event for members, something to make attendance affordable, and raise money for local events.”  

Attendees began the day with a one-hour registration and networking opportunity, where they were reminded of the potential prizes and bragging rights for the best foursome, most practiced foursome and holes-in-one. Participants were divided into 16 teams. After making the climb, they positioned themselves from holes one, located at the top of the challenge, to hole 16.  With the wind and the curves and bumps of the course, everyone soon realized that this course was not as easy as they first thought.

Chapter president Lexi Dearborn remarked, “My teammates and I started at the top of the course, with the wind a definite factor affecting the final position of the ball.” Attendees remarked that the course, although challenging, was a lot of fun, and took the pressure off a long season.  

This event was promoted as one where everyone could participate. Michael Scott’s Landscaping and Design and Garden Holistics brought its entire staff. These members, along with Ego’s Nursery, made this event truly a family affair, as the team included their children as the next generation of members participating in Chapter events.

Sponsored by Unilock, the meal included a wide variety of food for everyone’s taste, followed by the event prizes and draws.

Prizes were awarded to teams from Best Group, Garden Holistics, Gabriel Matamoros, Matt McDonald and Zack O’Gorman; Most Practices, Nadine, Ariana Vegter, Ashley Martin, and Jordan Bishop. Five holes in one were awarded to Gabriel Matamoros of Garden Holistics, Brad Rich of Michael Scott’s Landscaping and Design, Jen Raedts of LA Gardens, Kaitlin Scott of Michael Scott’s Landscaping and Design, and Laurie-Ann Stuart of LA Gardens.

Great raffle prizes were donated, including two-nights’ accommodation at Blue Mountain, a foursome of golf at Monterra Golf, courtesy of Blue Mountain Resort, tickets to Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence and an all access pass to Landscape Ontario 2015 Congress.

Dearborn said that the success of this event would not have taken place without the support of sponsors, Unilock, and hole sponsors, Brampton Brick and Stone, Oaks Landscaping, Clearview Nursery, Clark’s Pools and Spas, Ikes Turf and Kell’s Garden City.

Planning for next year’s event has already begun. Event chair Michael LaPorte thanks everyone who participated and sponsored the putting challenge to make this new Georgian Lakelands Chapter event a great success.  

Georgian Lakelands Chapter members participate in many charitable activities throughout their chapter that raise money and continue giving back to the community.

 

READ MORE ABOUT: