AS told to Rejean Cantlon-

In local men’s league hockey play at Mimico arena, 55 year-old Desmond Kane is known for his tenacious work in the corners and his good natured comaraderie in the dressing room. Little did anyone know that Des was and is quite the accomplished golfer. He decided to share his amazing journey with us at the South Etobicoke News. Here is his story, in his words:

“My buddy Peter John Allen and my brother Brendan Kane convinced me to write about my qualifying for the prestigious 99th Ontario Amateur Golf Championship which typically features USA Golf Scholarship kids with previous Champions such as Corey Conors, Mike Weir and Ontario Golf legends Gary Cowan and Nick Westlock. Peter said, “you owe it to your grandkids” which is odd as I don’t have any LOL but anyways here’s my story.

On July 13th I participated in round # 1 which is the same format as PGA Tour events. The tournament moves around the province every year. The winner earns exemption to Canadian Amateur and goes to the US Amateur Golf Championship which was won a record three times by Tiger Woods. Almost every winner and most in the top ten are all very young and will turn professional soon after winning these events.

I had the privilege of playing with 16 year-old Mitchell Grey and 18 year-old Robert Mcvinne. Both of these fine young men were a pleasure to compete with and are excellent players.

It was 33 years ago that I made my one and only previous appearance at this event playing the first round with Canadian golf legend, Mike Weir, way back in 1988. Needless to say, our golf paths went in different directions. I’ll bet he wishes he could have been here in Windsor today battling it out in 40 degree heat but he chose the professional route for real money making millions lol… My kids are like… all you get if you win is a trophy?

My first round was going well, one over par 37 on front nine and then almost birdied #10 and then the shoes fell off, literally. I had to remove shoes and socks and stand in the lake on #12 as my ball was inches from water. I ending up making a very good bogey but the rest of the day was a real struggle. Golf can seriously humble you.

As my good friend Stevie Ray Kim Toonk would say, “if only I had some talent, could make some putts, keep the ball in the fairway once in a while, listened to my golf coach back in college, had a better demeanor for the game, made some birdies once in a while……I could have gone pro baby!”

Thanks to the lessons I learned from my much younger opponents I held it together as best I could for the balance of the round.

It was great to be back, many great players like McKenzie Hughes of PGA could not claim victory at this event and many very good players don’t make it here so I’m proud at end of day to be here with only 113 other golfers who qualified from regional qualifying sites across the province where it’s one day where you better shoot a low score under pressure to make it.

Can you guess I’m bored sitting in my Windsor hotel room away from my beautiful family? Onwards and upwards tomorrow, if I can fire a 68 maybe I’ll make the cut for last 36 holes. It’s a tall order but I’ve been dreaming about being back here for 33 years.

Unfortunately Des did not make the cut after his second round but he does have this impressive bragging right. He qualified. To be able to compete against the top amateur golfers is quite an accomplishment plus he’ll have another story for the hockey oldtimer’s this Fall and for his future grand kids.”

 

Mimico’s Rejean Cantlon covers amateur sports for the South Etobicoke News.