Fairwinds Golf course was closed for about six weeks but rebounded well when it re-opened for play in the third week of April.
Members were quick to sign up to get back to playing, albeit with a new set of rules to ensure COVID-19 was kept at bay. That included fewer tee times in a given hour, touchless pins (special cups that aren’t as deep), and restricted use of power carts. The restaurant and bar also enforced strict socialization restrictions, but the patio remained a very popular spot for an after-round meal or drink.
With everyone showing strong support for upholding COVID-19 rules, the club made the decision to hold the annual Club Championship in late August.
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The fields were strong, particularly the men’s section, with 76 golfers entered while 26 women battled it out for the Ladies championship.
Brad Reimer successfully defended his Club Championship title from 2019, staving off a strong showing by newcomer Rick Whitehead. The overall net winner was Andrew MacKay.
The Ladies Championship was won by Blanka Dunville for the fourth consecutive year. The match was a nailbiter, as Marlene Cox challenged Dunville the entire round, pushing them into a sudden death playoff.
Both ladies re-teed off on Hole No. 1, and Dunville managed to pull off the win. Not to be outdone, Cox beat out 29 other ladies to take home the Championship trophy for the “Golden Girls” (65-plus).
The low net on the ladies side was won by Aliza Hutchinson.
The most exciting and eagerly anticipated aspect of the two-day event was the Horse Race. Due to COVID-19 the format was altered. Only seven, instead of 10, of the top men and women from the championship were paired to play in an alternate shot format, with teams eliminated on each hole.
With approximately 35 people watching and cheering them on, the team of CarolAnn Faulkner and Rick Whitehead won the 2020 title.
A big initiative this year, being spearheaded by club pro Ryner Wilson, was a virtual charity event in support of Nanaimo General Hospital, and in particular, the ICU. The tournament Golf for Life ran until Sept. 30.
Four Fairwinds ladies have managed to score hole-in-ones this year: Sharon Vincent, Blanka Dunville, Jackie Higham and Marlene Cox.
The Fairwinds course is in excellent shape this year, and both mens and ladies leagues will continue on until late October.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Fairwinds Golf Club, and joining either the Men’s or the Ladies section for the coming winter season, is encouraged to call the pro shop at 250-468 7666.
— NEWS Staff