Good Luck Ryan!

On Wednesday February 14th we announced that Ryan LaRose will be leaving the club, effective March 1.

After ten years at Whitevale Golf Club, Ryan has accepted the position of “Director of Golf” at the Magna Golf Club. Many aspire to work at a prestige golf club, however, very few make it. His accomplishment was made possible by his growth and development at Whitevale, and we should all be proud of his success. It has been our pleasure to work alongside of Ryan and we want to wish him all the best at his new club.

We are planning a farewell event to thank Ryan for his dedication and commitment over the past ten years serving as your Head Golf Professional sometime this spring. More information will follow.

 

Bees on the Move!

We're excited to share that all twelve Whitevale bee hives have been smoothly relocated to their new home without any hiccups. We transitioned our buzzing inhabitants to a spot carefully chosen for their well-being and the convenience of our Members.

The new location, strategically positioned on the north side of the road opposite the second entrance of the Maintenance Building (closer to the clubhouse), was selected after meticulous consideration. Our priority was to find a flat, easily accessible area for our beekeeper, free from potential flooding, and offering optimal conditions for a thriving colony. We also needed a site sheltered from north winds with ample sunlight exposure.

It was equally important to strike a balance by positioning the hives far enough from the parking lot to minimize any inconvenience caused by bee waste on vehicles. Our beekeeper advises that while the relocation will significantly reduce such occurrences, it may not entirely eradicate them. Particularly in the spring, some bees may instinctively return to their former habitat until they adjust to the new location or are replaced by the emergence of new offspring.

This relocation endeavor underscores our commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between our Club and the natural world. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of our bee colonies, we not only support the vital role they play in our ecosystem but also mitigate any potential inconveniences for our Members.

We will continue to nurture and care for our buzzing companions, and enjoy the honey they produce for years to come!

Photos provided by Kyle Young, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.

A Jolly Affair: Whitevale's Lunch with Santa

Last Saturday, Whitevale came alive with festive cheer as families gathered for a delightful event - Lunch with Santa.

The event included a festive feast, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts and, of course, Santa! Families and friends sat together, savoring the delectable dishes while sharing laughter and stories.

The highlight of the day, of course, was the much-anticipated visit from Santa Claus himself. With a hearty "Ho, ho, ho!" and a twinkle in his eye, Santa delighted children and adults alike. Each child had the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a small gift to cherish. The joy and excitement radiating from the youngsters were infectious! As families captured these precious moments with photographs, the spirit of community and togetherness flourished, making Lunch with Santa an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Whitevale's Lunch with Santa was more than just a festive gathering; it was a heartwarming celebration that brought the club together in the true spirit of the season. The delectable food, festive decorations, and, most importantly, the joy shared among families and friends made this event a memorable occasion.

We hope the magical atmosphere that resonated with the spirit of the season that we enjoyed on Saturday is present for all of you during this festive season!

Lauren Bevan wins OUA Championship!

Congratulations to Lauren Bevan for leading the Wilfrid Laurier University Women's golf team to it's first ever OUA championship, while also on her way to winning the individual championship as well! 

Please click the image to read the full article and watch the CTV report, including an interview with Lauren!

The End of the Season is Nigh

It has to happen every year, but it still carries a bit of sadness to announce that Sunday, November 12 will be the last day of golf at Whitevale.

Management did look at the weather in hopes of continuing to play for a few more days, however, we have scheduled a third party using an air compressor to blow out the irrigation lines on Monday and Tuesday and for safety reasons, we will not have any golfers on the course. During this time, the staff will be busy putting away all the course furniture and preparing the course for the winter.

The last day of play will feature fun and challenging pins for those who come out to play.

We thank everyone for a great season, wish you all a safe and happy off season, and look forward to seeing you in 2024!

Thank You!

What could be better wrap up to a golf season than a bunch of members getting together to celebrate their weekday morning competitions with a tribute to their“Commissioners”? Not much!

Jeff Mepham sent in these photos of Brian Murdock who runs Monday and Friday games, and Norm Woods who runs the Wednesday game, receiving their appreciation envelopes from Jeff himself!

In Jeff's words: "The Whitevale members who played were generous in their gratitude of the laborious efforts required to "herd the cats" every week and set up the games."

They gathered in the rotunda after Friday’s game to thank Brian and Norm, enjoy a few beverages and generally "mis-represent" how well they all did this season.

In Memory - Ken Harris

 Kenneth Walter Harris was a longtime member of Whitevale Golf Club. He passed away on October 4th. Our condolences to his friends and family.

Whitevale Wall of Fame Welcomes Kevin Hughes!

Every five years members may be added to the Whitevale Wall of Fame in recognition of their achievements over multiple years at the club and within the golf community.  This prestigious award is reviewed every five years however the Wall of Fame committee are not obliged to select a nominee every five years.  To be clear The Whitevale Wall of Fame "may" recognize an individual or individuals every five years . The current review is for 2023 the next reviews will be in 2028, 2033,  etc. The Wall of Fame Nomination Committee for 2023 charged with reviewing candidates and providing their recommendation to the Whitevale Board of Directors consisted of Joanne Kajganich (co-convener Women's Section), John Trimble (Past President and Wall of Fame member), Walt Lemon (Past President and Wall of Fame member), Don Davis (Club Captain ) and myself . Upon selection by the awards committee, the choice or choices are forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval. It is my great pleasure and honor  to announce to the membership that Kevin Hughes has been selected by the 2023 Whitevale Wall of Fame Committee and approved unanimously by the Board of Directors as the newest member to enter the Whitevale Wall of Fame.

A more detailed history of Kevin will be made available in the upcoming Sideline 30, here are a few highlights; Member of University of Toronto Golf Team  George S.Lyon qualifying Four Senior Cup Championships (2005, 2006, 2009, 2011)  Member Senior Ryder Cup teams  President Whitevale Golf Club 1995  Match Play Champion 1987  Long time interclub participant (winning team 2012)  Long Time member Senior Golf Association of Canada  Whitevale member since the early 1970"s    Congratulations Kevin!

Friendly Reminder - Lock your Car

On Friday, October 13 between the hours of 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, we had two members notify us that they had credit cards removed from their vehicles and used in Chile. Cash was also taken from one of the vehicles . Both vehicles were unlocked at the time.

We are reviewing the newly installed camera system we have in place as we attempt to identify suspicious behavior.

Please lock your car doors.

2023 Women’s Closing Field Day Winners!

Glorious Weather and Outstanding Play

We recently celebrated the end of a fantastic golf season with a Women's Closing Field Day that was nothing short of remarkable. Mother Nature graced us with the perfect weather, providing an ideal backdrop for a day of camaraderie, competition, and excellent play on the greens.

The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees as the participants, both new and seasoned players, gathered for a day of golfing festivities. Laughter and excitement filled the air, setting the tone for a memorable event.

A Winning Team: Sandra Milner-Docking, Vanda Vicars, and Marianne Goss

Amidst the jovial atmosphere, one team emerged victorious and left an indelible mark on the event. Congratulations to the winning team, consisting of the talented and skillful golfers: Sandra Milner-Docking, Vanda Vicars, and Marianne Goss. Their combined efforts, precision shots, and strategic gameplay truly showcased the essence of women's golf at its finest.

The Women's Closing Field Day not only served as a wonderful competition but also as a platform to honor the incredible women who grace our golfing community. Golf is a sport that transcends age and background, and it's heartening to see women come together to celebrate their passion for the game.

As we conclude this year's golfing season, we extend our appreciation to all the participants, organizers, and supporters who made this day possible.