Memorial golf tourney slated here Sunday

The Memorial Day men’s golf tournament set for this Sunday officially will kick off the competitive season out at Kitchen Creek.
Greg Ward, 23, of Fort Frances, who won his second-straight Harry Barefoot Memorial plaque last year in an extra playoff hole over local golfer Bob Crowe and Barry Coffin of Selkirk, will be gunning for a “three-peat.”
The 18-hole tourney usually draws about 90 golfers although recent years have seen as many as 140 entries. And club pro Steve Wood said this year should be no different.
“There’s some competitive golfers in the area and it provides for some fun finishes,” he noted.
While it’s been raining for the last few days, Wood said there shouldn’t be any problems getting the tournament underway.
At this time of year, Ward said the 16th hole usually proves to be the most difficult hole.
“It’s got a tough fairway to hit, the winds are gusting from the west,” he noted. “It’s a pretty open hole.”
The Memorial formerly was known as the “Early Bird” until 1994, when its name was changed to commemorate Kitchen Creek’s key builders: Harry Barefoot, Bob Biggs, Harvey Shute, and Tom Onichuk.
The four flights are named after them.
“This is very important,” said Ward. “It’s the first tournament and we’re remembering and honouring the people who did a lot for our golf club.”
Wood added family members of the builders will be on hand for the awards ceremony that afternoon.
Registration cost is $40, which includes the entry and a meal. Deadline to sign up is Friday and it starts with a shotgun start Sunday at 9 a.m.