The Mary McKechnie Golf Tournament

The second annual Mary McKechnie Open took place August 30 at the Hawkesbury Golf and Curling Club in support of curling at the club.

McKechnie is a strong supporter of curling and served on the board of directors for many years. At 99 years old, she finds it a little difficult to get out on the course now.

“Curling is alive and open at the Hawkesbury Golf and Curling Club,” stated Alex Horvath, president of the Curling Committee. “There were rumours going around last year that we would be closing. But that is not the case. We are pleased to make this the second annual tournament in support of curling.”

McKechnie’s son Stewart was at the course ready to play. “She came down last year and we took pictures with her,” he said. “She said I think I could go, but it’s a little too long in the car. My daughter and her family are coming later, so there will be three generations of McKechnies here today.”

Approximately 60 golfers were on the course Sunday, playing a four-player scramble in the afternoon, followed by a dinner. The tournament was open to the public as well as members of the club.

“We have a golf and curling evening coming up October 31,” said Horvath. “You play six ends of curling and 9 holes of golf. In the evening, we have a Halloween party, and it’s open to the public. It should be a good time.”

The Hawkesbury Golf and Curling Club will also be holding an open house November 1 and 2. “We will have curlers here to show people how to play,” said Eric Charlebois, from the Curling Committee. “Or people can just practice. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” At 90 years of age, Claude Hoffman can still hit a ball. Although Mary McKechnie wasn’t able to attend Sunday’s tournament, her son Stewart and grandson Matt were on the course with great smiles, seen here with Alex Horvath, president of the Curling Committee.