Island Springs hosts its last charity golf tournament (6 photos)

A full house of 18 teams hit the greens at the annual Island Springs Charity Classic golf tournament with funds going to support Matthews Memorial Hospital Association (MMHA).

But Saturday was not just any ordinary tournament.

The nine-hole charity golf tournament started at Island Springs 17 years ago, one year after the golf course opened, and this was its last.  

"We have had 17 wonderful years of support for MMHA," said MMHA Chair, Lavera Crack. "With respect to this year, we had a full house with 18 teams and fantastic sponsorship everything from corporate to gold to silver sponsors, cart sponsors, expense sponsors and numerous donations for the prize table."

Island Spring is not expected to be operating next year, but MMHA is going to continue with its major fundraising effort at a different venue. 

MMHA board has made arrangement to hold its annual fundraiser at Crimson Ridge Golf Course in Sault Ste. Marie on Aug. 11, 2019. 

"We hope golfers, sponsors and friends of MMHA will continue to support physician recruitment and retention at the Matthews site in Richards Landing. This will allow us to continue our work on behalf of area residents," Crack said.

Retirement is in the plans for Island Springs owners John and Marlene Gibbs who hope for a buyer to continue the business.

"I've never had a summer off in my life," John said. "I've heard so much about the east coast, we plan to take a trip there next year."

Marlene retired from a nursing career a number of years ago. 

Island Springs Golf Resort opened its doors on July 1, 2000. 

Properly maintaining a golf course is a science, one he learned at 60 years old having taken a turf management course at the University of Guelph.

Prior to opening the golf course, Gibbs operated his own construction business on the Island.

Gibbs has more than contributed to the local economy, providing 438 summer jobs over the years.

"Many have come here with little to no experience and leave better people," John said.

Looking back with a glowing smile, what impressed Gibbs the most was the wonderful support he has received. 

"Golf can bring out the best, and worse, in people," he said with a chuckle.

It was anticipated Saturday that Trevor Daley would be on the golf course, but due to other commitments was not present. He did arrange the donation of two signed hockey jerseys by Daley and Matt Murray, and hockey sticks signed by Darnell Nurse and Colin Miller. 

The tournament did see a familiar hockey name and face, Vegas Golden Knights and former Soo Greyhound Colin Miller. 

In fact, Miller along with teammates Ryan Rochette, Jordan Rochette and Sean O'Neil was the tournament's top team overall with a score of 64.  

Top female team consisted of Bernie Crosby, Julie Stevens, Ruth Stevens and Sharon Stevens with a score of 72.

Top mixed team went to Larry MacKay, Stewart Smith, Lori Smith and Todd Desing with a score of 67.

Closest to the pin went to Lori Smith (women) and Paul Eddy (men).

Those with the closest chip were Scott MacGillivray, and longest putt went to Peter Kennedy (men) and Lori Smith.

Golfer, Tom Fremlin has participated in the tournament classic for the past 17 years.

"I'm devastated," Fremlin said, shocked over the pending closure of Island Springs. "More (golfers) should be using the course."

Fremlin was involved in setting the date and venue for next year's tournament.

Crimson Ridge offers a larger course and the possibility of 36 teams (versus the 18) four-person teams which may draw some of Saulitites to support the Island charity, he said. 

Fremlin wouldn't show his hand but did say there may be a number of recognizable hockey faces next year.