Many years ago, Gary Wood initiated Winter Golf with the support of then President of Canaan Village, David Cushman. Since then, it has been an antidote to cabin fever, a time to socialize, have fun, and even be a bit silly. Perhaps "no previous golfing experience necessary" says it all. Golfers play with tennis balls, individually, in pairs, or in teams. They vie for prizes such as best duffer, longest drive, youngest player, best dressed, highest score, etc.
Players register to play for $5 which includes hot chocolate and donuts prior to the event and pizza afterwards at the awards ceremony at Canaan Village Pizza. Proceeds from the event fund Friends of Canaan Village activities.
Saturday, February 8 dawned with good winter golf conditions: cold, sunny, light breeze, course, and the driving range at Williams Field was beautifully groomed by Cardigan Mountain Snowmobile Club and prepared by Gary Wood, Ken Lary, and Alan Ricard.
With over 30 participants, the event drew folks from as far as Thetford, Vt. and Campton, NH.
Winner of the coveted Babcock Trophy: Rich Parker
Rich, golf pro, and coach of the Dartmouth College golf team, has a radio sports show Sat. mornings from 10 to 11 on WUVR. His sidekick on the show is former Red Sox pitcher, Rob Woodward. We were so pleased that Rich joined us for play. The Saturday after Winter Golf, Rich talked about it on air and announced that he will be back next year.
Business supporters' names,displayed on the course flags, included: Canaan Hardware, MTD, Hurley Electric, Patriot Fuels, Canaan Center Store, Enfield Hardware, Granite Northland, Mickey's, Barney Ins., Papa Z's, Vanessa Stone Real Estate, Safflowers, Golden Comb, Movie Market, Shaker Valley Auto, G.W. Plumbing and Heating, Fire Dept. Assoc., Dishin' It Out, Hennessy Plumbing and Heating, Canaan Ambulance, Cardigan Mountain Snowmobile Club, Canaan Village Pizza.
Special thanks to Robin Parker, Gary Wood, Alan Ricard, Kati Jopek, Carole Cushman, Barbara Baker, Samantha Baker, Judith Cushman, and Joanna Carr for their work in making this happen, to Mike Samson for the p-r, and to all the homemade pie bakers!
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