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 Breaking Gator News! |
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Saturday, May 16
Legends courses featured for 2009 Gator, Farmstead returns as Championship Day test
Registrations now being accepted
| |  | | Oyster Bay a featured tract for 2009 Gator |
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***
(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers have announced details of the 2009 ‘Quest for the Gator’ which will be held November 22-29 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The feature courses of the week will be the Moorland Course at Legends Resort (featuring the short par-4 dubbed "Hell's Half Acre"), and Legend's Oyster Bay which was voted Best New Resort Course in the world when it opened in 1983. Farmstead Golf Links returns in 2009 to test the field on Championship Day, with its daunting pin placements and the 712 yard par-6 18th hole, as well as their famous chili dogs.
Organizers also announced that all play for the 2009 'Quest for the Gator' will feature play from mid-distance championship tees, and that all players will be automatically entered in daily Skins Game competition. The tentative schedule, courses and starting times announced are as follows:
- Monday, November 23 at Tiger's Eye Golf Links - 9:00AM shotgun
- Tuesday, November 24 at Oyster Bay Golf Links - 8:30AM shotgun
- Wednesday, November 25 at Heather Glen Golf Links - 9:00AM shotgun
- Thursday, November 26 at South Creek at Myrtle Beach National - 9:00AM shotgun
- Friday, November 27 at Legends Moorland - 8:30AM shotgun
- Saturday, November 28 at Farmstead Golf Links - 9:00AM shotgun
Stuff (i.e. rules, NO EXCEPTIONS) you need to know about signing up for 2009:
- only 120 spots available - registration deadline is August 31, 2009
- first-come, first served - returning golfers from previous events DO NOT HAVE ANY PRIORITY, so don't assume you're in
- $50US deposit MUST accompany your registration (simply giving your name/intent or sending in the form without the $$$ means squat)
- an e-mail address MUST be included on your form
- DO NOT send a personal cheque for your deposit unless it is drawn on a US dollar account (very important)
- if you have to cancel, YOU are responsible for finding a replacement (i.e. re-selling your spot) - see Registration Details and Conditions for complete info
Link to 2009 Pre-qualification & Registration Form / Registration Details and Conditions:
Handout: PRE-QUALIFICATION & REGISTRATION
Sunday, November 30
Lake survives Championship Day downpour to take 2008 Gator
|  | | A dry Eric Lake (centre) accepts the 2008 Gator |
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(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- With four challengers sitting only two or three stokes off the pace entering play on Championship Day, Ottawa's Eric Lake braved the elements at King's North at Myrtle Beach National, along with only 38 only players who managed to finish a rain-soaked final round, to win the pretigious 2008 'Quest for the Gator' title.
Lake ended the event with a six round net total of 432 and a net 73 final round score, but was caught by 2007 Gator champion Peter Sheddler with a 432 net total as well, carding a final round net 70. The tiebreaker was gross scores recorded on the final round and overall, both which ended up in Lake's favour, delivering him the championship. Kingston, Ontario's Jim Reid and Chris Hawkins finished tied for third place two strokes back with a 434 total, while Peter Pettit of Ottawa placed fifth with a 436 total score. Chris McCarthy of Kingston recorded the highest score over six completed rounds with a somewhat respectable 458. Lake was the leading money winner for the event by pocketing $325 in prize money, with Hawkins taking home $237, Sheddler $225 and Reid $212 in tournament winnings.
The 2008 'Quest for the Gator' proved once again to be a emotion-packed event, as witnessed by contenders helicoptering their tee club selections as early as Round #2.
Other highlights from this year's 'Quest for the Gator' included the return of participants from Canada's East Coast, who celebrated their return to the event by recording a highest-ever amount spent on evening entertainment even before action was underway for Round #1. Gil Desjarlais of Niagara Falls, Ontario recorded the best gross score of the week during Round #1 at Aberdeen Country Club by firing a 73 score.
In the 6th Annual Canadian Masters Miniature Golf Tournament held on Wednesday night, Detroit's Brian Ashe took the title south of the border by carding a six-under round. Larry Aicken of Toronto, Ontario provided the only sniff of GTA glory during the week by finishing one stroke back in second place. This year's Skins Game event was strongly contested amongst those who participated, with $1410 awarded overall during the week.
Despite the wet ending to the event, 'Quest for the Gator' organizers hailed this year's event as yet another tremendous success. Clear blue skies over the first five rounds combined with below-average temperatures created ideal scoring conditions, but beer consumption rates were slightly below normal.
Organizers also reported that once again there were no recorded incidents involving law enforcement or requiring professional medical treatment.
Here are the final statistics reported for this year's event:
- total tournament cash prizes awarded = 26 ($1850 prize pool)
- total number of individual tournament cash prize winners = 16
- total number of non-tournament/proximity prizes awarded = 23
- total number of police arrests = 0
- total number of medical facility visits = 0
- highest number of beers consumed by one person in a day = 14
- total estimated number of golf balls lost by entire group during the week = 1722
- total number of local 'entertainers' hired as caddies = 0 (OBVIOUSLY WE STILL NEED DAVE BACK!!)
- highest number of G-bucks spent by one person = ask a Halagonian!
- total estimated number of beers consumed by entire group during the week = 1868
Skins Game summary:
- Round #1 - 4 skins at $60 each
(Jim Reid, Andrew Boyle, Paul Royer, Eric Lake )
- Round #2 - 8 skins at $30 each
(Larry Aicken, Chris Morneau, Tony De Marinis, Gil Desjarlais, Louis Renaud, Scott Gannon, Vince Garofalo, Chris Seal)
- Round #3 - 7 skins at $35 each
(Brian Ashe, Scott Gannon, Gil Desjarlais, Andrew Molotchko, Ryan Arnold (2), Eric Olmstead)
- Round #4 - 8 skins at $30 each
(Kevin Ashe, Gil Desjarlais, Scott Gannon, Andrew Molotchko, Tony Boyle, Matt Korol, Eric Olmstead, Alan Chong)
- Round #5 - 5 skins at $45 each
(Brian Ashe, Andrew Boyle, Peter Pettit, Eric Olmstead, Chris Seal)
- Round #6 - 2 skins at $110 each
(Jim Reid, Bob Desjarlais)
Link to the 2008 Official Results:
Handout: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Tuesday, December 4
King's North and Long Bay headline course line-up for 2008 Gator
Registrations now being accepted
|  | | 'The Gamber', 6th hole at Arnold Palmer's King's North |
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers have announced details of the 2008 ‘Quest for the Gator’ which will be held November 23-30 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Arnold Palmer's signature course at King's North, along with The Long Bay Club signature course by Jack Nicklaus highlight the 2008 ‘Quest for the Gator’, which will also return to the Grande Shores Ocean Resort as its Official Hotel.
The tentative schedule, courses and starting times announced are as follows:
- Monday, November 24 at Aberdeen Country Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Tuesday, November 25 at Litchfield Country Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Wednesday, November 26 at The Long Bay Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Thursday, November 27 at River Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Friday, November 28 at Willbrook Plantation - 9:00AM shotgun
- Saturday, November 29 at King's North - 9:00AM shotgun
Stuff (i.e. rules, NO EXCEPTIONS) you need to know about signing up for 2008:
- only 120 spots available
- first-come, first served - returning golfers from previous events DO NOT HAVE ANY PRIORITY, so don't assume you're in
- $125US deposit MUST accompany your registration (simply giving your name/intent or sending in the form without the $$$ means squat)
- an e-mail address MUST be included on your form
- DO NOT send a personal cheque for your deposit unless it is drawn on a US dollar account (very important)
- if you have to cancel, YOU are responsible for finding a replacement (i.e. re-selling your spot)
Link to 2008 Pre-qualification & Registration Form:
Handout: PRE-QUALIFICATION & REGISTRATION
Sunday, November 25
Reid's bid to establish Gator dynasty comes up short as Sheddler brings 2007 title to Ottawa
| |  | | Tony De Marinis (centre) accepts the 2007 Gator trophy for Peter Sheddler |
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(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- Jim Reid's bid to establish a Gator dynasty by three-peting his championship performance came up just short, as Peter Sheddler of Ottawa, Ontario fired the lowest net round of the week on Championship Day at Farmstead Golf Links to come from behind and take home the hallowed 2007 'Quest for the Gator' title.
Sheddler ended the event with a six round net total of 429, bettering Reid of Kingston, Ontario by three strokes with a net total of 432. Ottawa's Jamie Armstrong finished third with a 433 total, while Greg Sim and Jim Phillips of Ottawa, along with Andy Jubinville of Edmonton, Alberta tied for fourth position with 434 totals. Don Charbonneau of Cornwall, Ontario recorded the highest score over six completed rounds with a hefty 471. Sheddler was the leading money winner for the event by pocketing $310, with Jubinville taking home $185, Reid $160 and Sim banking $155 in tournament winnings.
The 2007 'Quest for the Gator' proved to be the most hotly contested event in history, with no less than a dozen players remaining within striking distance of the leader entering play on Championship Day. That group would have included Ottawa's Dino Catana, but Catana, the leader after four rounds of play, was forced to withdraw from Rounds #5 and #6 for undiclosed personal reasons. As play started on the final day, Armstrong held a slim one stroke lead over Sim, with Reid, Sheddler and Jubinville just two strokes behind. Sheddler came through when it counted most, firing a net 68, while Reid's net 71 fell short and Jubinville carded a final round 73. A 70 by Phillips helped him jump three spots in the final standings. Both Armstrong and Sim succumbed to the pressure of not only being first-time Gator participants but also being the event's front-runners, with each unable to tame the treacherous pin placements at Farmstead and recording a score of 74. Immediately following the round, Sim summed up his play in a clubhouse interview with just one word: "choke!" Meanwhile Sheddler, learning of his victory through a media leak prior to the closing ceremonies, was so overcome with emotion that he was absent from the final presentation.
Other highlights from this year's 'Quest for the Gator' included the best single gross round score of the week, recorded by Reid who fired an even par 72 during Round #4 at Tiger's Eye Golf Links.
In the 5th Annual Canadian Masters Miniature Golf Tournament held on Wednesday night, Ottawa's Tim Belanger carded a seven-under round to reclaim the much-heralded putting title, his third victory in four years. Brian Ashe of Detroit, Michigan finished one stroke back to finish alone in second place, as Jason O'Toole, Jamie Armstrong and Ron Droeske, all from Ottawa, each recorded five-under rounds in tying for third place.
This year's Skins Game event was strongly contested amongst those who participated, with $1165 awarded overall during the week. The 3-Putt Sweepstakes also proved popular again this year, with $155 won over the week during three sweeps events.
'Quest for the Gator' organizers hailed this year's event as yet another tremendous success, with the weather contributing to ideal playing and scoring conditions throughout the week. Clear blue skies and daily high temperatures hovering close to 80F during the first four rounds, also made beer consumption rates spike and put a run on South Carolina's available inventory that had suppliers scrambling to cope.
Organizers also reported that once again there were no recorded incidents involving law enforcement or requiring professional medical treatment, however an unusually high number of DNFs recorded during the final two rounds proved that the 'Quest for the Gator's' extra-curricular activities had indeed taken their toll.
Here are the final statistics reported for this year's event:
- total tournament cash prizes awarded = 38 ($2125 prize pool)
- total number of individual tournament cash prize winners = 22
- total number of non-tournament/proximity prizes awarded = 25
- total number of police arrests = 0
- total number of medical facility visits = 0
- highest number of beers consumed by one person in a day = 18
- total estimated number of golf balls lost by entire group during the week = 1512
- total number of local 'entertainers' hired as caddies = 0 (OBVIOUSLY WE NEED DAVE BACK!!)
- highest number of G-bucks spent by one person = 58
- number of cups of 'sugar' borrowed = 2
- total estimated number of beers consumed by entire group during the week = 2016
Skins Game summary:
- Round #1 - 8 skins at $25 each
(Greg Sim, Peter Sheddler, Jim Phipps, Stewart Fernie, John Blair, Chris Morneau, Peter Holder, Tim Anderson)
- Round #2 - 5 skins at $40 each
(Dino Catana (2), Chris Morneau, Jim Reid, Greg Sim)
- Round #3 - 7 skins at $25 each
(Dan Arbuckle, Chris Morneau, Rob Castellarin, Jim Reid, Gord Lawson, Peter Holder, Tim Gourlay)
- Round #4 - 6 skins at $30 each
(Shaun Alspach, Chris Morneau, Peter Sheddler, Greg Sim, Dave Lahey, Don Brulé)
- Round #5 - 8 skins at $25 each
(Kevin Ashe, Jim Reid, Larry Aicken, Jim Phillips (2), Don Brulé, Hubie Splinter, Paul Royer)
- Round #6 - 2 skins at $105 each
(Kevin Ashe, Hubie Splinter)
Link to the 2007 Official Results:
Handout: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Sunday, November 25
Jubinville right on target at 2007 Gator
|  | | Jubinville sets Gator record, and flaunts it! |
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(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- Andy Jubinville of Edmonton, Alberta has set a new record for the 'Quest for the Gator' by winning a total of four closest-to-the-pin proximity contests during the 2007 event. Jubinville started off the week during Round #1 by being tight to the pin at the #12 hole at The Wizard Golf Club, followed by the #8 hole during Round #3 at the Grande Dunes Resort Course, the #2 hole during Round #4 at Tiger's Eye Golf Links and finally the #4 hole during Round #5 at Diamond Back. During a media interview following Saturday's closing ceremonies for the 2007 'Quest for the Gator', Jubinville, adorned in his prize winnings and showing very poor fashion sense, credited his success to a high consumption rate of 'aiming juice'.
Tuesday, November 13
Official 'Gator-cam' at Grande Shores introduced
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(Ottawa, ON) -- In a continuing effort to ensure that wives, girlfriends and any envious friends of those entered in the 'Quest for the Gator' can keep a'breast' of real-time developments during the event, organizers today announced, in cooperation with the Grande Shores Ocean Resort, the launch of the official 'Gator-cam'. This added fully interactive feature provides online viewing of beer consumption and other daily post-round activities centered on the exclusive roof-top hot tubs and pool area at the Official Hotel. Click here to view the 'Gator-cam'!
Sunday, November 4
Alberta and Eastern Ontario dominates player field for 2007 Gator
|  | | Back-to-back island greens at The Wizard ready to greet the 2007 Gator field |
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(Ottawa, ON) -- With the final countdown underway for the 2007 'Quest for the Gator', organizers today released the field of players that with vie for this year's honours. The field is heavily represented by Eastern Ontario players, followed by Alberta. To nobody's surprise, golfers from the GTA, having faced three straight year's of frustration, have all but given up on trying to bring the hallowed Gator title back home, and have a mere three players represented in this year's field. The story holds true for Eastern Canada, with not a single player entered in the event. Click here to view this year's field.
For the 2007 Gator, organizers also announced that the optional Skins Games will return. The deadline for entry will be prior to tee-off on Monday (Round #1). Participants will be required to submit a separate scorecard outlining any birdies, eagles or better. They will be required to be submitted with the normal scorecard for the regular game within the same time requirements. Full rules and additional details will be available during the Group Meet ’N’ Greet/Liver Orientation on Sunday, November 18th at Overtime Sports Café and prior to tee-off for Round #1 (Monday). Also back in 2007 will be the popular '3-Putt Sweepstakes', scheduled for play during Rounds #1 (Monday), #3 (Wednesday) and #5 (Friday) only.
This year's event gets underway on Monday November 19th at The Wizard Golf Club, with back-to-back island greens on the 17th and 18th holes ready to claim its victims.
Friday, May 18
Courses and preliminary intinerary announced for 2007 Gator
|  | | The Resort Course at Grande Dunes returns to the 2007 Gator course lineup |
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today released the tentative list of courses and preliminary itinerary for the 2007 'Quest for the Gator'. The schedule, courses and starting times announced are as follows:
- Monday, November 19 at The Wizard Golf Course - 9:00AM shotgun
- Tuesday, November 20 at Myrtlewood Golf Club (Palmetto Course) - 9:00AM modified shotgun
- Wednesday, November 21 at Grande Dunes Resort Course - 7:50AM double tee
- Thursday, November 22 at Tiger's Eye Golf Links (Ocean Ridge Plantation) - 9:00AM modified shotgun
- Friday, November 23 at Diamond Back Golf Club - 9:00AM modified shotgun
- Saturday, November 24 at Farmstead Golf Links - 9:00AM modified shotgun
The 'Quest for the Gator' returns to the Resort Course at Grande Dunes in 2007. Reknowned for setting a new definition for world-class play, Grande Dunes was recently named by Golf Magazine as “Top 10 You Can Play”.
Two new locations also make this year's list, starting with The Wizard Golf Course on opening day, which features back-to-back island greens on the 17th and 18th holes. Tiger's Eye Golf Links at Ocean Ridge Plantation, ranked by Golf Digest at 41st in their “Top 100 U.S. Public Courses” will test the field on Thursday.
Farmstead Golf Links once again assumes its traditional finishing position on Championship Day.
Click here for detailed information on all the 2007 Gator courses.
The preliminary Official Group Itineray for 2007 was also released. Click here to download.
Monday, May 7
NFL game returns in 2007!
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced that following a two year absence, NFL football returns for the 2007 Quest for the Gator!
This year the New Orleans Saints provide the competition for the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on get-away day.
Ticket ordering details to be announced soon. Game details are as follows:
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers
1:00 PM Sunday, November 25th
Bank of America Stadium
800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
Seats: TBA
Saturday, December 1
Registrations now being accepted for 2007 Gator
***
(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers have announced details of the 2007 ‘Quest for the Gator’ which will be held November 18-25 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 2007 ‘Quest for the Gator’ will once again return to the Grande Shores Ocean Resort as its Official Hotel.
Stuff (i.e. rules, NO EXCEPTIONS) you need to know about signing up for 2007:
- only 144 spots available (despite recent rumours, there is no limit being placed on the number of players being accepted from the Greater Toronto Area)
- first-come, first served - returning golfers from previous events DO NOT HAVE ANY PRIORITY, so don't assume you're in
- $125US deposit MUST accompany your registration (simply giving your name/intent or sending in the form without the $$$ means squat)
- an e-mail address MUST be included on your form
- DO NOT send a personal cheque for your deposit unless it is drawn on a US dollar account (very important)
- if you have to cancel, YOU are responsible for finding a replacement (i.e. re-selling your spot)
Link to 2007 Pre-qualification & Registration Form:
Handout: PRE-QUALIFICATION & REGISTRATION
 | | Kingston renamed 'Gatorville' to honour championship's return |
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Sunday, November 25
Kingston to be renamed 'Gatorville' as Reid repeats as Gator champion
|  | | Jim Reid (centre) accepts the 2006 Gator trophy, his second in as many years |
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***
(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- When Jim Reid of Kingston, Ontario fired his worst round of the week on Championship Day, little did he realize that his quadruple bogey blow-up on the par-5 14th hole and triple bogey on the par-6 18th at Farmstead Golf Links would end up giving him the decisive edge he needed under the Callaway scoring system to become the 2006 'Quest for the Gator' champion, and the first-ever to repeat the hallowed feat.
Reid ended the event with a four round net total of 426, bettering Gil Desjarlais of Niagara Falls, Ontario by five strokes with a net total of 431. Kingston's Chris Hawkins finished third with a 432 total, while Declan Dunn was Toronto's closest threat with a 433 total, followed by Stuart Fernie of Banff who led a strong Alberta contingent by placing fifth with a 435 total. Tied for last place in this year's event were Raj Kler and Mostafa Askari, both from Ottawa and each 46 strokes off the pace. Reid and Desjarlais were the leading money winners this year, each banking $450 in tournament winnings.
With the Gator returning home to The Limstone City, civic officials who are still smarting from losing the 'Hockeyville' moniker earlier this year, have decided to rename Kingston as 'Gatorville' to honour the return of one of amateur golf's most prized championships. Meanwhile, further west down the 401, embarrased officials were scrambling to put away the bunting along Toronto's Younge Street for yet another year, as any parade planned this year once again will fall to the toils of Leaf Nation.
Other notable events from this year's 'Quest for the Gator' were the best single rounds of the week, recorded by Chris Hawkins, Declan Dunn and Stuart Fernie each firing a 74 gross. Hawkins carded his low round at The Legends' Moorland course during Round #1 on Monday, while Dunn mastered Man O' War during Round #5 on Friday. But it was Fernie who was duely recognized as having the best round of the week, when he was able overcome the torturous pin placements at Farmstead during Round #6 to better the next closest gross score on that day by eight strokes.
Past Gator champions were once again well off the pace during this year's event, with 2003 champion John Higginson forced to withdraw from Round #6 play and ending up tied for 95th place, while 2004 champion Jim Fowles fared better by tying for 70th spot.
Once again, nobody could come even close to winning the $1 million SUPERPRIZE up for grabs for scoring a hole-in-one at the 18th hole of Farmstead Golf Links.
In the 4th Annual Canadian Masters Miniature Golf Tournament held on Wednesday night, it was Calgary, Alberta's John Durante who demonstrated putting genius to take home the first place cash by recording a six-under round. Two-time defending champion Tim Belanger of Ottawa, and Rob Bromberg also from Calgary, were each two strokes behind Durante in tying for second place.
A popular event returning to the Quest for the Gator this year was Skins Game event, with $1700 awarded overall during the week. The introduction of the 3-Putt Sweepstakes also proved popular this year, with $200 won over the week during three sweeps events.
But the talk of this year's event was once again the weather. Round #1 conditions at Moorland included temperatures well below normal, high winds and skies that provided a mixture of rain, sun and cloud. Round #2 at Wild Wing was rained out as only the second-ever Gator round was declared a washout. With an unfavourable forecast looming for Round #3 at Tidewater, organizers were forced to officially cancel the round, however the forecast for driving rain never held as conditions improved drastically and a majority of the field used the stunning tract at Tidewater for practice. Cool temperatures and cloudy skies plagued Round #4 at Heather Glen, but for the balance of the week it was clear skies combined with slightly below normal temperatures that made for ideal playing and scoring conditions.
'Quest for the Gator' organizers hailed this year's event as another tremendous success, despite the weather. "The weather is always a crapshoot this time of year, but the field made the best of the opportunity to re-focus their game with selected indoor activities on Tuesday. With attendance at Saturday night's closing ceremony suprisingly low, we can safely assume that the priority was to get rested up for next year's event and for remaining quantities of liquid refreshment to get consumed in order to re-hydrate," organizers said. Once again beer consumption was also reported to be way down, also falling victim to the cooler weather, but Hot Damn was in short supply.
Organizers also reported that there were no recorded incidents involving law enforcement or requiring professional medical treatment, however an early morning brawl at a local entertainment venue involving a number of players from the Halifax area proved that the 'Quest for the Gator's' reputation indeed remains intact.
Here are the final statistics reported for this year's event:
- total tournament cash prizes awarded = 49 ($3750 prize pool)
- total number of individual tournament cash prize winners = 35
- total number of non-tournament/proximity prizes awarded = 22
- total number of police arrests = 0
- total number of medical facility visits = 0
- highest number of beers consumed by one person in a day = 16
- total estimated number of golf balls lost by entire group during the week = 2280
- highest number of G-bucks spent by one person = ?
- total number of local 'entertainers' hired as caddies = 2 (AGAIN!!)
- total estimated number of beers consumed by entire group during the week = 3045
Skins Game summary:
- Round #1 - 6 skins at $45 each
(Alf Keddy, Wayne O'Connor, Gil Desjarlais, Norm Gravel, Paul Hines, Jim Reid)
- Round #4 - 7 skins at $65 each
(Tod Kierstead, Gary Marshall, Kevin Ashe, Alf Keddy, Jim Reid, Troy Landry, Tim Belanger)
- Round #5 - 8 skins at $60 each
(Shane Foston, Gil Desjarlais, Dennis Lougheed, Jim Reid, Chris Hawkins (2), Andy Holyoke)
- Round #6 - 7 skins at $65 each
(Jim Reid, Rick Bolt, Shane Foston, Gil Desjarlais, Tod Kierstead, Keith Holloway, Tim Belanger)
Link to the 2006 Official Results:
Handout: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Sunday, October 29
2006 Gator to commemorate 40 years of Leaf humility
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced that the 2006 'Quest for the Gator' will mark the upcoming 40th anniversary of the last time the Toronto Maple Leafs won Lord Stanley's grail ... the Stanley Cup.
"It never ceases to amaze how Toronto Maple Leaf fans crave public humiliation by wearing their colours, and hearts, on their sleeve. The 2006 'Quest for the Gator' will pay tribute to the Leafs' futile quest as well, and that of their fans," organizers said. "We also want to demonstrate our collective passion for the other game we hold so dear to our identity ... hockey."
This year there will be two opportunities for not only Leaf fans, but all participants, to display their Canadian hockey pride. 2006 Gator participants are being urged to pack their favourite teams jersey and wear it at the 4th Annual Canadian Masters Miniature Golf Invitational, eh! taking place at Captain Hook's Adventure Golf on Wednesday November 22, and to the scheduled Friday night visit to the duelling pianos at Crocodile Rocks at Broadway at the Beach.
What is the special significance of doing this, organizers were asked? "#1, WE ARE PROUD CANADIANS! and #2, LEAFS SUCK!," they said. "So lets mark the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Leafs' last Stanley Cup win in this special way! And please, please
remember to be sensitive to the fragile emotional state of Leaf fans during these occasions. The chant to use in their presence is simple: "LEAFS SUCK!! LEAFS SUCK!! LEAFS SUCK!!"
Oh, the humanity ...
Sunday, October 15
Courses and itinerary finalized for 2006 Gator
| |  | | Man O War is sure to provide lots of drama at 2006 Gator |
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced the finalized courses and schedule for the 2006 'Quest for the Gator'. The schedule, courses and starting times are:
- Monday, November 20 at Legends Golf Resort (Moorland) - 9:00AM shotgun
- Tuesday, November 21 at Wild Wing Plantation (Avocet) - 9:00AM shotgun
- Wednesday, November 22 at Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation - 9:00AM shotgun
- Thursday, November 23 at Heather Glen Golf Links - 9:00AM shotgun
- Friday, November 24 at Man O' War Golf Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Saturday, November 25 at Farmstead Golf Links - 9:00AM shotgun
For the 2006 Gator, the bar has been elevated once again, as this year's courses are sure to generate another year of humility and golf drama for the field (especially those from the GTA), starting Monday with the Moorland tract at Legends Golf Resort. This controversial course is definitely a "target" golf course. Created in the Dye tradition, Moorland will cause golfers to rise to incredible heights on the sculpted terrain, sink to considerable depths in the bunkers, and constantly use every ounce of skill and luck in their possession. Moorland indeed earned its designation as one of the "Top 10 New Courses of 1990," by Golf Digest. The 245 yard par-4 16th is the signature hole, with the large bunker guarding the green appropriately named "Hell's Half Acre."
Water will be the inescapable element and constant companion for the enire field on Friday at Man O' War Golf Club with 100 acres of water hazards coming into play over sixteen holes. In addition to three holes with island greens is the 409 yard par-4 9th where the entire hole is an island, with water surrounding both the fairway and green.
Also on the list and expected to be the highlight of the week is the spectacular Tidewater Golf Club, a traditional-style tract located on a beautiful, rolling, salt-marsh peninsula, with nine very scenic holes overlooking the expansive salt marshes and Intracoastal Waterway. The inland holes wander through a forest, and water hazards come into play on six holes. In 1990 Golf Digest named it the Best New Public Golf Course in America.
Click here for detailed information on all the 2006 Gator courses.
Also released today was the Official Group Itinerary, which again features numerous additional social and cultural activities to keep the field well occupied during this year's event. Click here to download the 2006 Official Group Itinerary.
Thursday, October 5
Cash is king for 2006 hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE!
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced that a hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE will return this year as the featured giveaway for the 2006 Quest for the Gator.
Any player scoring a hole-in-one at the 18th hole of Farmstead Golf Links on Saturday, November 25th will receive $1 million in cash .... plain and simple! And as a bonus, the prize will be paid out in G-buck denominations!
Please click here for detailed information on the contest hole.
Thursday, October 4
'3-Putt Sweepstakes' unveiled for 2006 Gator
***
(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today took that wraps of a new contest, the '3-Putt Sweepstakes', that will be unveiled at the 2006 'Quest for the Gator'.
In keeping with Gator tradition, the event mixes the humility and shame of most participants for the financial benefit of a few lucky Gator faithful.
Here's how it works:
- '3-Putt Sweepstakes' will be in play during Rounds #1 (Monday), #3 (Wednesday) and #5 (Friday) only.
- Foursome decides amongst themselves before teeing off if they want to participate. If they do, they keep track of 3-putts of each player in their foursome. Each player then must contribute 25 cents (USD of course) for every 3-putt he makes during the round, and the foursome collects and submits total $ for the total number of 3-putts of their foursome when submitting their scorecard.
- The person in each participating foursome with the lowest number of 3-putts then gets a draw ticket for each 3-putt their foursome had. If two or more players are tied with the lowest number of 3-putts then the draw tickets are split equally by those players. The draw is held next morning, with the winner getting the entire proceeds of all foursomes participating.
- Only "regulation putts" to be counted. If a ball is putted from the fringe or fairway onto the green it is not included, however if after the first regulation putt the ball exits the green, putts continue to be counted.
- although 4-putts inflict their own measure of pain, they will also count towards a 3-putt total!!
For example, if a foursome for Round 1 had:
- Player A - six 3-putts costs him $1.50
- Player B - three 3-putts costs him $0.75
- Player C - two 3-putts costs him $0.50
- Player D - no 3-putts costs him nothing
- Total number of 3-putts for the foursome = 11, costing the foursome $2.75
So Player D gets 11 draw tickets that costs the foursome a total of $2.75. If say 30 foursomes entered the sweepstakes that day, with the same average paid per foursome, the '3-Putt Sweepstakes' pot is worth $82.50. If Player D has one of his 11 tickets drawn the next morning, he wins the pot!
FREE PRO TIP: If you are already on your second putt, do NOT think of the photo below.
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Wednesday, October 4
'Skins Game' is back for 2006 Gator
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(Toronto, ON) -- Organizers today announced that once again the optional Skins Game will return for the 2006 'Quest for the Gator'.
Event details released today are as follows:
- Cost to enter remains at $20US. This fee provides entry into the Skins Game for each of the six rounds during the 2006 'Quest for the Gator'.
- Prize money will be split by day. For example, if 100 people elect to enter there will be a total of $2000 in the "skins pool", and $333 would be paid out for each of the six rounds of the event based on the number of skins won.
- A skin will be declared won if a player scores a birdie, eagle or better on any particular hole and it is not matched by any other player that day. For example, if one player scores a birdie and wins the hole outright and another scores an eagle on a different hole, two skins will be awarded that day. Each skin for that day would be worth $166.50.
- If no skin is awarded during any round (or a round is declared unofficial due to weather), the skin's money will be carried over to the next round. If no skin is paid for the final round, the skins money will be invested into BEER PRODUCTS for that evening!!
- The deadline for entry will be prior to tee-off on Monday (Round #1).
- Participants will be required to submit a separate scorecard outlining any birdies, eagles or better. They will be required to be submitted with the normal scorecard for the regular game within the same time requirements.
Full rules and additional details will be provided during the 2006 Grey Cup Party/Group Meet N Greet/Liver Orientation on Sunday, November 19th at Overtime Sports Café and prior to tee-off for Round #1 (Monday).
Monday, January 16
Lucky 2006 Gator participant will end up at the 2007 U.S. Open
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced that all participants in the 2006 'Quest for the Gator' will be entered into a draw to win a trip for two to the 2007 U.S. Open (June 14-17) at the famed Oakmont Country Club located outside Pittsburgh, Pennsyvania. The trip is being awarded by the Grande Shores Ocean Resort in recognition of the many years of patronage given it by the 'Quest for the Gator'.
The trip package includes the following:
- three nights accommodations at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel, Pittsburgh's only riverfront hotel
- luxury car rental with unlimited mileage
- tickets for Saturday and Sunday's rounds of the U.S. OPEN
- airfare for 2 within the continental United States
- hotel taxes and gratuities.
Tuesday, January 10
2006 Gator now sold out!
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Organizers today announced that the 2006 'Quest for the Gator' is now SOLD OUT! The preliminary field for 2006 was also released today and includes all previous Gator champions: defending champion Jim Reid of Kingston, Jim Fowles of Ottawa from 2004 and John Higginson of Toronto from 2003.
The 2006 field was orginally set at 144 openings and has been increased to 152 because of demand and added availability of accommodations at the Official Hotel.
There are currently 22 guys sitting on the sidelines waiting for space to open up due to injury or somebody's wife/girlfriend realizing what kind of event the Gator really is and thus forcing a cancellation!
Monday, November 26
Toronto parade on hold for another year as 2005 Gator ends up in Kingston
|  | | Jim Reid (centre) accepts the 2005 Gator trophy from 2003 and 2004 champions |
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(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- Jim Reid of Kingston, Ontario battled the elements through five official rounds of golf to bring the 2005 Gator home to The Limstone City, and putting off a parade down Toronto's Younge Street for yet another year.
Reid eeked out the narrowest of victories to claim the hallowed Gator and take home the first place cash prize, bettering Toronto's lone 2005 threat, Bill Kennedy, by only a single stroke with a five round net total of 432.
Tying for third place were Andy Holyoke of Fredericton, New Brunswick and Kevin Keebler of Calgary, Alberta, each finishing five strokes off the lead with net totals of 437. In dead last place, a whopping 54 net strokes back of the leader, was Brian Dooks of Ottawa, Ontario.
The best single rounds of the week were recorded by Jim Reid along with Ed Bleackley of Ottawa, each firing a 75 (gross). Reid carded his low round at Myrtlewood's Pinehills course during Round 3 on Wednesday, while Bleackley mastered the track at Meadowlands during Round 5 on Friday.
Other notable events were Dave Fowles, also of Ottawa (and brother of 2004 Gator champion Jim Fowles), who recorded his first career hole-in-one at the picturesque yet formidable 158-yard 14th hole at Grande Dunes during Round 2 play on Tuesday. Fowles was slow to enter the clubhouse after his round, hoping that most of the field had departed in order to avoid having to shell out for the obligatory round of drinks for recording his first ace!
Past Gator champions were well off the pace for this year's event, with 2003 champion John Higginson ending up tied for 67th place, while Jim Fowles was even further back tied for 102nd place.
Once again, nobody could come even close to winning this years SUPERPRIZE (a pair of 2005 Audi TT Coupes) up for grabs for scoring a hole-in-one at the 18th hole of Farmstead Golf Links.
In the 3rd Annual Miniature Golf Tournament held on Wednesday night, it was Ottawa's Tim Belanger who repeated his 2003 performance to win the event and steal away with the first place cash by recording a six-under round.
A total of 65 golfers also participated in the first-ever Skins Game event held during the 'Quest for the Gator', with $1300 awarded overall for 32 skins over 5 rounds.
But perhaps the biggest headline grabber for the 2005 'Quest for the Gator' was the weather. Monday's Round 1 at Pine Lakes was officially rained out as nearly 5 inches of torrential rain fell on Myrtle Beach and a first-ever Gator round was declared a washout. For the balance of the week, the field had to cope with near-record cold temperatures for three of the five remaining rounds, including a one-hour frost delay Wednesday at Myrtlewood Pinehills and a two-hour frost delay on Saturday's championship day at Farmstead.
However despite the weather, 2005 'Quest for the Gator' organizers hailed this year's event as another huge success. "Golf was definitely the priority for the field this year," organizers said, as no incidents involving law enforcement or requiring professional medical treatment were recorded. Beer consumption was also reported to be way down, also falling victim to the cold weather.
Here are the final statistics reported for this year's event:
- total tournament cash prizes awarded = 38 ($3375 prize pool)
- total number of individual tournament cash prize winners = 18
- total number of non-tournament/proximity prizes awarded = 33
- total number of police arrests = 0
- total number of medical facility visits = 0
- highest number of beers consumed by one person in a day = 19
- total estimated number of golf balls lost by entire group during the week = 4860
- highest number of G-bucks spent by one person = ?
- total number of local 'entertainers' hired as caddies = 2
- total estimated number of beers consumed by entire group during the week = 4725
Skins Game summary:
- Round #2 - 6 skins at $43 each
- Round #3 - 5 skins at $52 each
- Round #4 - 4 skins at $65 each
- Round #5 - 8 skins at $32 each
- Round #6 - 9 skins at $29 each
Link to the 2005 Official Results:
Handout: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Thursday, October 20
Hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE returns for 2005 ... times two!
|  | | The 2005 Gator hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE - a pair of 2005 Audi TT Coupes! |
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***
(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced that a hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE will return this year as the featured giveaway for the 2005 Quest for the Gator.
Any player scoring a hole-in-one at the 18th hole of Farmstead Golf Links on Saturday, November 26th will get the keys to his'n'her 2005 Audi TT Coupes! Just think what will happen if you end up bringing home this prize to the wife or girlfriend ... you'll get instant permission to attend all future Quest for the Gator events! ... (and hopefully something else on the side!)
Each 225 horsepower vehicle comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, quattro® all-wheel drive, nappa all-leather interior, the Audi navigation system, 18" wheels and upgraded premium audio system. Total prize value of $123,190.00 based on MSRP (freight, prep and taxes not included).
Organizers said that they felt a little guilty and were surprized that nobody won last year's Crossfire SUPERPRIZE, so they wanted to make up for it by offering twice the SUPERPRIZE for scoring a hole-in-one this year.
Please click here for detailed information on the contest hole.
Thursday, October 20
'Skins Game' details announced for 2005 Gator
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(Toronto, ON) -- Organizers have announced details of the optional Skins Game that will take place during the 2005 'Quest for the Gator'.
Event details released today are as follows:
- Cost to enter is $20US. This fee provides entry into the Skins Game for each of the six rounds during the 2005 'Quest for the Gator'.
- Prize money will be split by day. For example, if 80 people elect to enter there will be a total of $1600 in the "skins pool", and $267 would be paid out for each of the six rounds of the event based on the number of skins won.
- A skin will be declared won if a player scores a birdie, eagle or better on any particular hole and it is not matched by any other player that day. For example, if one player scores a birdie and wins the hole outright and another scores an eagle on a different hole, two skins will be awarded that day. Each skin for that day would be worth $133.50.
- If no skin is awarded during any round, the skins money will be rolled over to the next round. If no skin is paid for the final round, the skins money will be invested into BEER PRODUCTS for that evening!!
- The deadline for entry will be prior to tee-off on Monday (Round #1).
- Participants will be required to submit a separate scorecard outlining any birdies, eagles or better. They will be required to be submitted with the normal scorecard for the regular game within the same time requirements.
Full rules and additional details will be provided during the Group Meet N Greet/Tournament Sign-up/Orientation on Sunday, November 20th at Overtime Sports Café and prior to tee-off for Round #1 (Monday).
Tuesday, October 4
'Countdown to the Gator' events announced
|  | | Pebble Beach set to host one of two 'Countdown to the Gator' events |
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced the staging of two 'Countdown to the Gator' events later this month. These events are being organized as an opportunity for players to get in some warm-up golf, give them a chance to meet others going on the trip (useful in organizing car pools for those driving, etc.), and also to pick up their Gator sportswear (for those that have already placed orders). Event details released today:
Monday, October 17th - (Royal) Metcalfe Golf & Country Club, Ottawa, Ontario (www.metcalfegolf.com)
Golf (9 holes), electric cart and dinner - only $28 (CDN) taxes included.
Tee times: 2:36pm, 2:45pm, 2:54pm, 3:03pm and 3:12pm (additional tee times available subject to demand)
First come, first booked for tee times - to sign up contact Dave Lahey by e-mail (dave.lahey@rogers.com) or by telephone at 613-247-0036. (Note: Those who sign up and are unable to attend must call the club before 8:00am on October 17th to have their name(s) removed from the tee sheet. If they don't show, they are on the hook for $28.)
Wednesday, October 19th - Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California (www.pebblebeach.com)
Golf (18 holes), electric cart and lunch - only $494 (US) taxes not included.
Tee times: 8:20am, 8:30am, 8:40am, 8:50am and 9:00am (additional tee times available subject to demand)
First come, first booked for tee times - to sign up contact Dave Lahey by e-mail (dave.lahey@rogers.com) or by telephone at 613-247-0036. (Note: Those who sign up must guarantee their spot with a credit card. Cancellations allowed by calling the club before 8:00am on October 12th to have their name(s) removed from the tee sheet. Subject to a $100 US cancellation fee.)
Monday, July 25
Toronto participants getting serious about 2005 Gator
|  | | Exclusive photo of new practice facility unveiled for GTA golfers in 2005 Gator |
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(Toronto, ON) -- A Toronto-area participant in the 2005 'Quest for the Gator' today took the wraps off his lavish, newly-constructed at home practice facility, which he hopes will give him the edge that he, or anyone else from Toronto, needs to win the hallowed Gator and bring it back to Ontario's capital city.
Wishing to remain anonymous for now, he admitted that he might have gone a little overboard with his plans that will allow him to use every spare moment while at home to practice for this year's big event. "We're incredibly desperate to have somebody from Toronto win the Gator this year. Since we can't win by sandbagging about our handicaps, we'll now have to win it legitimately ... and that means practice, practice, practice," he said.
"I'll also be extending a private invitation to all Gator participants from the GTA to come over whenever they'd like and use the facility. For an added touch, both the bag drop out front beside the driveway and the beverage cart will be ready by next week!," he added.
When asked about how much was spent on the new facility, he responded, "Who cares how much? ... money is not an object when it comes to winning sports championships for TO. Just look at the Leafs. Nobody cares about how much the franchise has blown trying in vain to bring home the Cup. So why care about spending a few hundred large in an equally desperate hope of bringing home the Gator?"
(Editors note: Since the facility is for use by Toronto participants only, expect the drop area to be very heavily used!)
Tuesday, July 12
Gator sportswear available once again, advance orders now being accepted
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Anyone who says that being well-dressed out on the course can help you drop a few strokes from your game is ... well, full of crap. Unless of course, you're wearing our custom limited edition 'Quest for the Gator' sportswear ... in which case you'll not only look, but also feel and play like a scratch golfer!!
Yes, back by popular demand for 2005 is an expanded line of Gator apparel, now available in limited quantities for advance ordering ... all featuring our official 'Quest for the Gator' logo (see photo left).
Sure to become prized sports memorabilia in the fine tradition of Gator 'lore, this year's available items include:
- Golf shirts (solid white or solid grey, 100% cotton, sizes M to XXL) - only $35CDN (tax included)
- Windshirts (black with white trim, 100% micro-poly, sizes M to XXL) - only $45CDN (tax included)
- Golf caps (black with white trim, cotton, one-size) - only $15CDN (tax included)
Purchases can only be made by advance ordering. To place your order please contact Dave Lahey by e-mail at dave.lahey@rogers.com by October 15th. All orders will be available for pick-up/payment during the Group Meet N Greet/Tournament Sign-up/Orientation at Overtime Sports Café on Sunday, November 20th or by pre-arranging pick-up from Dave Lahey at the Grande Shores Ocean Resort.
Remember, quantities are limited! Don't be disappointed ... order yours TODAY!
Saturday, May 7
Tournament details, preliminary intinerary announced for 2005 Gator
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today released all tournament details for the 2005 'Quest for the Gator', including format and prize money - click here for details.
Also announced was the preliminary Official Group Itinerary, providing a 'beer-by-beer' detailed schedule of all related golf and social activities - click here for details.
Saturday, May 7
Revolutionary new golf cart unveiled for 2005 Gator
|  | | New cart for exclusive use of GTA area golfers |
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(Toronto, ON) -- Participants from the GTA in the 2005 'Quest for the Gator' will have exclusive use of a revolutionary new golf cart that was unveiled today.
The cart (model SHTR-100) is only available in basic brown, but the 200 series model currenty under devlopment is expected to come in a variety of colours, with two seats and will also feature on-board GPS.
"This is exactly what GTA golfers have been crying for," said Pickering's Kevin Ashe, one of the more vocal contenders of the 2005 Gator.
"I'm a big advocate of 'rabbit golf', and this new cart will definately be a big time-saver for me out on the course ... especially after I've lipped out a twelve inch putt to lose a skin, or duck-hooked a drive into the water on a tee that's far from the clubhouse," he added.
Ashe was quick to defend the fact that only Gator participants from the GTA will be able to use the new carts. "GTA golfers are known for embodying the traditions and upholding the etiquette of the game. This new cart can only to add to our fine reputation in that regard. Besides, who else would need to use one?," he said.
Friday, April 29
Preliminary field for 2005 Gator released
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(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today released the preliminary field for the 2005 'Quest for the Gator' - click here for details.
Thursday, January 20
Courses and schedule announced for 2005 Gator
| | | Grande Dunes Golf Club tops the list of 2005 Gator courses |
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***
(Ottawa, ON) -- Organizers today announced the courses and schedule for the 2005 'Quest for the Gator'. The schedule, courses and starting times are:
- Monday, November 21 at Pine Lakes International Country Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Tuesday, November 22 at Grande Dunes Golf Club - 10:00AM shotgun
- Wednesday, November 23 at Myrtlewood Golf Club (PineHills) - 9:00AM shotgun
- Thursday, November 24 at Myrtlewood Golf Club (Palmetto) - 9:00AM shotgun
- Friday, November 25 at Meadowlands Golf Club - 9:00AM shotgun
- Saturday, November 26 at Farmstead Golf Links - 9:00AM shotgun
Noteworthy amongst the courses selected for 2005 are Pine Lakes International, the first golf course built in Myrtle Beach back in 1927 and affectionately known as The Granddaddy. Pine Lakes International is also the home of Sports Illustrated magazine, conceived of in the stately colonial-style clubhouse in 1950. Also on the list and expected to be the highlight of the week is the spectacular Grande Dunes Golf Club, setting a new definition for world-class play and recently named by Golf Magazine as Top 10 You Can Play.
Click here for detailed information on all the 2005 Gator courses.
 | | The clubhouse at Grande Dunes Golf Club |
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Thursday, December 9
Ashe throws up the gauntlet for 2005 Gator
|  | | The 'esteemed' Councillor |
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(Toronto, ON) -- Councillor Kevin Ashe of Pickering, Ontario today confirmed his participation in the 2005 'Quest for the Gator'. "I am proud to lend my name and that of the City of Pickering to this fine event," said the Pickering Councillor in an exclusive Gator interview. "The handicap system implemented by the Ottawa thugs needs improvement ... so who better to correct this injustice than a Councillor (crook) with a true understanding of golf handicapping."
Ashe also confirmed the attendance of his brother Brian and two yet to be named cohorts. Speculation is swirling that Phil Mickelson and Cindy Crawford are considering Councillor Ashe's invitation to participate.
"The Gator of course should return to Toronto ... I will fight with my last breath to stop sandbaggers and an unjust handicap system," said Ashe.
In a related story, Ashe was recently released from Ajax-Pickering Hospital with his new liver as a result of the drinking that took place on the 2004 trip.
(Editors note: Since the 'Quest for the Gator' is "guys only", Cindy Crawford would not be eligible to play, however, she can come along to caddy.)
Friday, December 3
Deadline looming to sign up for 2005 'Quest for the Gator'
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Stuff (i.e. rules, NO EXCEPTIONS) you need to know about signing up for 2005:
- total of 144 spots available - deadline is December 31, 2004
- first-come, first served - returning golfers from 2004 DO NOT HAVE ANY PRIORITY, so don't assume you're in
- your $100US deposit MUST accompany your registration (simply giving your name/intent or sending in the form without the $$$ means squat)
- an e-mail address MUST be included on your form
- DO NOT send a personal cheque for your deposit unless it is drawn on a US dollar account (very important)
- if you have to cancel, YOU are responsible for finding a replacement (i.e. re-selling your spot)
- entry into the tournament ($25 fee) will be mandatory.
Link to 2005 Pre-qualification & Registration Form:
Handout: PRE-QUALIFICATION & REGISTRATION
Saturday, November 27
2004 Gator rescued from evil Toronto clutches, comes to Ottawa
|  | | Jim Fowles (centre) accepts the 2004 Gator trophy |
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(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- Jim Fowles of Ottawa, Ontario sandbagged his way through five out of six rounds of golf to bring the 2004 Gator home to the Nation's Capital, wrestling it away of the evil clutches of an aspiring field from the Toronto area.
Fowles, who was often heard saying "wow, I've never made a shot like that before in my life," rode his starting 36 handicap to an impressive 19 shot net aggregate margin of victory, taking home the first place cash prize and with it, the hollowed Gator (which by the way Jim, goes on your golf bag ... it's a freaking head cover, not a kid's toy!!!).
In second place, Howie Meinzinger of Stoney Creek, Ontario was able to better third place finisher Lee McCoshen, also of Ottawa, by just a single stroke. In dead last place, a whopping 115 strokes back of the leader, was Denis Beauchamp of Montreal, Quebec.
The best single round of the week was scored by Darren Church of Moncton, New Brunswick, with a 76 (gross). Suprisingly, nobody could come even close to winning the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Roadster, up for grabs for scoring a hole-in-one at the 18th hole of Farmstead Golf Links.
2004 'Quest for the Gator' organizers hailed this year's event as another huge success, but a little lower key than previous years, with no police arrests recorded and only two participants requiring professional medical treatment.
Here are the final statistics reported for this year's event:
- total tournament cash prizes awarded = 38 ($2175 prize pool)
- total number of individual tournament cash prize winners = 28
- total number of non-tournament prizes awarded = 18
- total number of police arrests = 0
- total number of medical facility visits = 2
- highest number of beers consumed by one person in a day = 22
- total number of golf balls lost by entire group during the week = 3528
- highest number of G-bucks spent by one person = 388
- total number of beers consumed by entire group during the week = ???
Link to the 2004 Official Results:
Handout: OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Tuesday, September 7
Hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE announced
|  | | The 2004 Gator hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE - a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Roadster! |
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Organizers today announced a hole-in-one SUPERPRIZE that will be the featured giveaway for the 2004 Quest for the Gator.
Any player scoring a hole-in-one at the 18th hole of Farmstead Golf Links on Thursday, November 25th will drive away with a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Roadster! Prize valued at $67,825.00 based on MSRP.
Please click here for detailed information on the contest hole.
Friday, September 3
Bonus prizes announced for 2004 Gator
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Organizers today announced 14 bonus merchandise prizes that will be up for grabs for everyone participating in the 2004 'Quest for the Gator', thanks to the efforts of the Grand Shores Ocean Resort's golf director, Brian Hanselman. The merchandise prizes, arranged with the 2004 Gator courses, will be awarded for either closest to the pin or longest drive contests.
Eligibility for the bonus prizes will be open to the entire 2004 Gator field, not just those participating in the tournament, and will be distributed along with tournament $$$ prizes.
The bonus prizes announced are as follows:
Round #1-Wachesaw Plantation East: (1) longest drive and (1) closest to the pin
Round #2-River Hills Golf & Country Club: (2) closest to the pin
Round #3-Lion's Paw Golf Links: (1) longest drive and (2) closest to the pin
Round #4-Farmstead Golf Links: (2) closet to the pin
Round #5-Indian Wells Golf Club: (1) longest drive and (4) closest to the pin
Round #6-International Club of Myrtle Beach: (1) fewest putts and (4) closest to the pin
Wednesday, September 1
2005 Gator details now available
|  | | Sign up now for the 2005 Gator! |
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Organizers have announced details of the 2005 Quest for the Gator which will be held November 20-27 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The 2005 Quest for the Gator has been expanded to a full shotgun of 144 golfers and will once again return to the Grande Shores Ocean Resort as its Official Hotel.
However, due to anticipated demand, stringent new acceptance guidelines and pre-qualification is being implemented for 2005. Organizers also announced that despite recent rumours, there was no limit being placed on the number of players being accepted from the Toronto area.
Please see the 2005 Registration Form for complete details.
Wednesday, April 28
2004 Gator now sold out
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Organizers today announced that the 2004 'Quest for the Gator' is sold out. The 100 player field will be announced shortly. The field was orginally set at 60 openings and later increased to 80 and then 100 because of demand.
There are currently 14 guys sitting on the sidelines waiting for space to open up due to injury or somebody's wife/girlfriend realizing what kind of event the Gator really is and thus forcing a cancellation!
Wednesday, December 10
Grande Shores confirmed as official hotel for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Gator
|  | | Official Hotel - 2004 'Quest for the Gator' |
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Grande Shores Ocean Resort
201-77th Avenue North
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Tel: (843) 692-2397
Toll Free: 1-877-798-4074
Website: www.grandeshores.com
General property amenities include:
- The Shoreline Café restaurant and lounge
- Business centre
- Fitness centre
- Rooftop pool, lazy river and four jacuzzi hot tubs
- Oceanfront pool, lazy river and two jacuzzi hot tubs
- Indoor pool, jacuzzi hot tub and spa
- Direct beach access
- Free parking
Hotel check-in is 3 PM on November 21st and check-out is 11 AM on November 28th. All rooms are quad occupancy deluxe condominium units with designer furnishings and are either north oceanview or oceanfront. Six oceanfront units were provided by the hotel at no extra cost and are being assigned to those foursomes that registered the earliest.
Features of the condominium units include:
- Three separate bedrooms
(two bedrooms with king beds, one bedroom with two queen beds)
- Two full baths
- Separate fully equipped kitchen and dining area
- Separate living room with sleeper sofa and chairs
- Double wide or wrap-around private balconies
- Four televisions per unit
- Free in-room high-speed Internet access
Saturday, February 7
2004 Gator package is the best ever!
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Here is what's included in the 2004 'Quest for the Gator' package and price:
- 7 nights deluxe quad occupancy accommodation at the Grande Shores Ocean Resort (November 21-27, 2004 inclusive)
- Green fees for 6 rounds of golf (November 22-27, 2004 inclusive)
- Power golf carts for each round (replays excluded)
- 7 all-you-can-eat buffet breakfasts (November 22-28, 2004 inclusive) at the Grande Shores Ocean Resorts in-house restaurant (The Shoreline Café)
- Welcome gifts
- Golfers reception and golf clinic (attendance optional)
- Bad weather refunds (course approved)
- All hotel and golf taxes
Whats not included (this is important so read carefully!!):
- Refreshments for the week
- Cover charges for evening excursions and other entertainment particulars
- Private golf lessons provided by trip coordinator (this can be very expensive!)
- Gratuities, especially for the trip co-ordinator (graciously accepted!)
- Supply of additional golf balls you will need to buy (golf in Myrtle Beach = lots of water!)
Final pricing per person for the package is $349.60US
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