The 2014 Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada’s (PHTCC’s) Toronto chapter annual golf tournament was once again successful on many fronts, including fantastic weather, a new challenging course, and more than 100 members who were ready to play.
Although there were 10 fewer foursomes than last year’s event, approximately 120 PHTCC members (30 foursomes) were eager to play on Aug. 19, not only hoping to add their names to the tournament’s ‘Top Team’ trophy, but to also play at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont. The golf course is unique in that it features a collection of holes inspired by the most famous holes in golf, including Augusta National, St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, Carnoustie, and Royal Troon.
After play concluded, attendees gathered for a barbecue-style dinner where Dave Warren, PHTCC national/Toronto chapter vice-president and treasurer, led everybody in a toast to the late John Orchard. The chapter also dedicated the first hole to John.
Rob Wood, the PHTCC’s executive director, was also on hand to discuss the association’s plans at the national level, including the upcoming conference and expo, and encouraged all pool dealers to take part in this year’s ‘Industry Awards’ competition.
Dale Papke from PPL Aquatics also took the stage to explain the Toronto Chapter’s new fundraising initiative with the Royal Lifesaving Society’s ‘Swim to Survive Program.’ In fact, all proceeds from the 50/50 draw and silent auction went towards this program.
After the announcements, the evening’s MC, David Simek, PHTCC national president and Toronto chapter past-president, proclaimed the team and individual winners from the day’s events. They were as follows:
- Team Lawrason’s won the team trophy for the second year in a row. The team comprised David Luciani, Gary Lewis, Graham Joynt, and David Simek;
- Jason Stronach (Rheem) won the men’s closest-to-the-pin;
- Garrett Chard (Total Tech Pools) won the men’s longest drive competition, while Nicole Robinson (Zodiac), for the fourth consecutive year, had the women’s longest drive; and
- Rob Pagliaro (Central Spa & Pool Supply) and Brian Barr (Zodiac) tied in the putting contest. Both competitors donated the monetary prize back to the association’s charity.
Some of this year’s feature prizes included a custom-made redwood cooler, 42 in. TV, iPad mini, Go Pro camera, and Trek road bike. Another prize table comprised 10 items with each item worth approximately $100. New this year was a supplier donated silent auction with proceeds split between the ‘Swim to Survive’ program and the Toronto Chapter.
