Golfers tee it up for Walter Perry Emancipation Tournament

Proceeds benefit the Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Approximately 130 golfers hit the links at Coachwood Golf and Country Club in McGregor Aug. 8. The tournament is an annual fundraiser for the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

An estimated 130 golfers teed up Saturday morning for the 11^th Annual Walter Perry Emancipation Charity Golf Classic.

Hosted  by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, it is one of the local historic organization’s largest fundraisers.

“I think this is my third one. My daughter-in-law’s family help out and it’s always fun,” said golfer Libby French who lives in Amherstburg.

Held once again at the Coachwood Golf and Country Club on Howard Avenue, it was not only a chance to support a worthy cause but an opportunity to renew some old friendships.

“It’s for a good cause and I always like playing in tournaments,” said Windsor’s Floyd Patterson.

Prior to the shotgun start at 10 a.m., the museum’s chairman Monty Logan, gathered the golfers together at the putting green and went over some rules for the day.

“We want to have a great day. We don’t want to have a six-hour round. The weather will help out so let’s play fast.”

Besides the round of golf, there was a 50/50 draw, putting contest and silent auction, with all proceeds going to the museum.

As he always does at this event, Logan brought a bit of humour as he spoke to golfers.

“For the longest drive, it does not have to be on the fairway to count but it can’t be on someone else’s either.”

While the tournament is a friendly one, there is always a little bit of competitiveness and once again golfers were trying to dethrone the foursome of Gary Jean, Steve Drouin, Jeff Turner and Will Switalski who have won it the past three years.

Logan said this year’s event included several decedents from those who came to Canada through the underground railroad.

“We continue to tell the story of people who left bondage and made their way to freedom in Canada.”

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is located at 277 King St. and is  open Tuesday to Fridays from 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. 

For more information, call 519-736-5433 or visit the museum’s website at www.amherstburgfreedom.org.

Golfers tee it up for Walter Perry Emancipation Tournament

By Fred Groves