Since 2003, Ray Dowse has spearheaded the annual Niverville Masters golf tournament. It started with 20 players, but over the years the event has grown significantly. There are now 42 players and a waiting list.
“We started the tournament out as a fun thing for a bunch of friends to have a competitive round of golf,” says Dowse. “We then added in a fundraiser component to raise money for local charities and needs along with the fun game.”
The tournament has previously raised funds for organizations like Helping Hands and the Niverville District Growing Project. A new recipient is chosen every year.
This year, the group raised funds for Niverville residents Kate and Garrett Hawgood, whose daughter Keiralyn was born with a rare genetic disorder called CDKL5. Among her many symptoms are powerful seizures and neurological impairment. When Keiralyn was first diagnosed, she was one of only five diagnosed cases in Canada, though the numbers are on the rise. As if that stress wasn’t enough, her older sister Kennedy was then diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
The Masters tournament raised their highest amount ever this year, donating $5,735 towards the Hawgoods’ efforts to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van to transport Keiralyn and her medical equipment.
“Ever since we started the Masters 13 years ago, we wanted the opportunity to help out organizations and causes in our hometown,” says Joel Martens, one of the tournament’s planners. “When the chance arose to help the Hawgood family, who literally live on my cul-de-sac, we jumped at the chance.”
According to Dowse, the tournament has managed to raise over $22,000 in donations over its 13-year history.
This year’s event took place at the Grand Pines Golf Club, between Grand Beach and Victoria Beach along Highway 59. The nearby South Beach Resort and Casino hosted the players and their guests, and it turned out to be an ideal venue.
In Sunday’s beautiful but windy final, the green jacket went to Ryan Dyck, who shot an impressive 84. Mike Loeppky and Travis Mason came close with scores of 85. Stanford Hiebert also had a strong round. When applying handicaps, he took the Low Net honour, earning a gold jacket for his efforts.
