Great Canadian Golf TourThe Great Canadian Golf Tour originated in 1984 and has been travelling south, primarily to the Caribbean and Mexico for 30 years. The 30th annual jaunt was in November 18-28, 2013 to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The original foursome in the mid-1980s was Joe Bogensberger (originally Sundridge ON and now Kitchener ON), George Kerr (originally Listowel ON and now Gowanstown ON), John MacTavish (Waterloo ON - deceased April 2012) and John Thompson (Waterloo ON). In total 53 golfers have participated in the trip, with the largest number in 2002 when 23 golfers journeyed to La Romana, Dominican Republic. Golfers with the most years of attendance include: John Thompson, Waterloo ON - 30 years John MacTavish, Waterloo ON - 27 years (deceased April 2012) Mike Czura, Sundridge ON - 26 years Joe Bogensberger, Kitchener ON - 24 years Gary Robbins, Courtright ON - 21 years George Dziarski, Waterloo, ON - 18 years Chris Hundley, South River ON - 18 years (deceased May 2018) George Kerr, Gowanstown ON - 18 years Syd Brown, Kitchener ON - 16 years (deceased November 2003) D'Arcy McKinley, Cambridge, ON - 16 years Peter Ford, Sundridge ON - 15 years Frank Sullivan, Waterloo ON - 15 years
Year #30 – November 18 – 28, 2013 Barcelo Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Left to right - Peter Ford (Sundridge), Mike Czura (Sundridge), Jim Dziarski (Orleans), Chris Hundley (South River), Gary Robbins (Courtright), Norm MacLennan (Listowel), Murray Kerr (Collingwood), George Kerr (Gowanstown), Rick Behling (Waterloo), George Dziarski (Waterloo), Siggy Filipitsch (Sarnia), D'Arcy McKinley (Cambridge), Frank Sullivan (Waterloo), Joe Bogensberger (Kitchener), John Thompson (Waterloo)
2013 Champions (-5)
George Dziarski, Siggy Filipitsch, Peter Ford & Murray Kerr
2013 Runners-up (Even) (Tied)
Norm MacLennan, Rick Behling, Frank Sullivan & Mike Czura
2013 Runners-up (Even) (Tied)
Jim Dziarski, Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins & D’Arcy McKinley 2013 Los Originals (+2)
John Thompson, Joe Bogensberger & George Kerr Best rounds 2013 Front nine – D’Arcy McKinley – 39 Back nine – Chris Hundley, George Dziarski – 38 Best eighteen – George Dziarski (41-38=79)
Tour Day at Corealis Golf Club
Front – John Thompson, Rick Behling. Back – Frank Sullivan, Norm MacLennan, Gary Robbins, Joe Bogensberger
Year #29 – November 22 – December 6, 2012 Melia Las Americas – Varadero, Cuba
Varadero Golf Club
Front – Gary Attack (Kitchener), D’Arcy McKinley (Cambridge), Glenn McLelland (Kitchener), Barry Taylor (Kitchener), Mike Czura (Sundridge).Jim Murdock (Waterloo), John Thompson (Waterloo) Back – Steve Bannon (Brampton-pickup), George Rhyason (Calgary-pickup), George Dziarski (Waterloo), Gary Robbins (Courtright), Jim Dziarski (Orleans). 2012 Champs (-10) 2nd best score ever
D'Arcy McKinley, Barry Taylor, Mike Czura & Jim Murdock 2012 Runners-up (-8) John Thompson, Steve Bannon, Glen McLelland & Jim Dziarski 2012 Third Foursome (-6)
George Rhyason, Gary Robbins, George Dziarski & Gary Attack
World's Best starter Eduardo with John
Separated at birth - the elusive D'Arcy and Nicholas, the illusionist
Atop Hemingway's Hotel - Gary, John, Barry and Jim - in Havana
Dinner at the Limoncello - George, Jim D, Barry, Mike, John, Glenn, D'Arcy, Gary A, Gary R & Jim M
Year #28 – November 24 – December 8, 2011 Bahia Gran Principe (Coba), Maya Riviera - Tulum Mexico Riviera Maya Golf Club
Back - George Kerr, Frank Sullivan, George Dziarski, Gary Attack Middle - D'Arcy McKinley, Barry Taylor, Jim Dziarski, Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins, Murray Kerr Front - Glenn McLelland, Jim Murdock, John MacTavish, John Thompson 2011 CHAMPS (-7)
D'Arcy McKinley,Jim Dziarski, George Dziarksi and Dave Morrison (pick-up from Vernon BC)
Los Originals Cuatro
George Kerr, John MacTavish, John Thompson and Murray Kerr (substituting for Joe Bogensberger)
Foursome #3 Gary Attack, Glen McLelland, Gary Robbins and Barry Taylor Foursome #4
Chris Hundley, Frank Sullivan and Jim Murdock Best rounds - 2011 Front nine – John MacTavish – 39 Back nine - John Thompson – 39 Best eighteen – John MacTavish (39-41=80) Chris Hundley – 81 Glenn McLelland – 82 Year #27 – November 25 – December 9, 2010 Bahia Gran Principe (Tulum), Maya Riviera - Tulum Mexico Riviera Maya Golf Club 2010 CHAMPS (-5) Two-man scramble - Glenn McLelland & John MacTavish and Four-man best ball with Mike Czura & John Thompson Los Originals Cuatro
Bottom left clockwise - John MacTavish, George Kerr, John Thompson and Joe Bogensberger - golf outing at Listowel Golf Course in September 2010, 27 years after the start Best rounds – 2010 Back Nine – Mike Czura – 36 Best eighteen – Glenn McLelland – 78 George Dziarski – 79 John MacTavish - 81 Year #26 - November 18-25, 2009 Melia Las Americas - Varadero, Cuba Varadero Golf Club
Back - John MacTavish, John Thompson, Mike Czura, Jim Dziarski, Sepp (pickup from Austria) Front - Gary Attack, Glenn McLelland, Joe Bogensberger, Josie Ford, Peter Ford Missing - Vitaly (pickup from Russia)
2009 CHAMPS (-6)
Josie Ford, Peter Ford, Mike Czura and Glenn McLelland Best rounds – 2009 Best eighteen – John MacTavish – 74 Glenn McLelland – 75 HOLE IN ONE #2
"Smokin'" Joe Bogensberger notched the 2nd hole-in-one in the 26 year-history of the GCGT, acing the Par 3, 144 yard 17th hole during the Scramble Tournament. Year #25 – November 24 – December 8, 2008 Royal Decameron Beach Resort - Panama Royal Decameron Golf Course Twenty fifth anniversary and a sweet sixteen attendance.
Front – John Thompson, Mike Czura, D'Arcy McKinley. Middle – Bill Lovell, Glenn McLelland, John MacTavish, Joe Bogensberger, Chris Hundley, Peter Ford, Jim Murdock. Back – George Dziarski, Jim Dziarski, Gary Attack, Frank Sullivan, George Kerr, Gary Robbins 2008 CHAMPS (-9)
Jim Dziarski, George Dziarski, D'Arcy McKinley and Gary Attack Los Originals Cuatro
George Kerr, John MacTavish, Joe Bogensberger, John Thompson 25 years after the start. Foursome #3
Bill Lovell, Mike Czura, Peter Ford, Glenn McLelland Foursome #4
Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins, Frank Sullivan, Jim Murdock Best rounds – 2008 Best eighteen - George Dziarski – 71 - John MacTavish – 77 - Chris Hundley – 77
Year #24 – November 26, - December 10, 2007 Royal Decameron Beach Resort – Panama Royal Decameron Golf Course (Photos to come) 2007 CHAMPS (-5) Mike Czura, Chris Hundley, D'Arcy McKinley, Frank Sullivan Best rounds – 2007 Glenn McLelland – 75 John MacTavish – 76 GOOD ADVICE
Year #23 – November 16 – 30, 2006 Breezes Superclub – Varadero, Cuba Varadero Golf Club
Back - Chris Hundley, George Dziarski, Tony McKinley, Frank Sullivan, Peter Ford, Mike Czura, Gary Attack Middle - John Thompson John MacTavish, Al Tomaso, Glenn McLelland, D'Arcy McKinley, Paul McKinley Front - Joe Bogensberger, Jim Murdock 2006 CHAMPS (-9)
Tony McKinley, D'Arcy McKinley, George Dziarski, Paul McKinley Los Originals Cuatro
Mike Czura (filling in for George Kerr), John MacTavish, Joe Bogensberger, John Thompson 23 years after the start. Best rounds – 2006 Glenn McLelland – 74 John MacTavish - 75 Daiquiris at Hemingways in Havana
John Thompson, George Dziarski, Mike Czura, Frank Sullivan and Gary Attack
Year #22 - November 19 – December 3, 2005 Breezes Superclub – Varadero, Cuba Varadero Golf Club
Back - Frank Sullivan, Murray Schmidt Middle - Peter Ford, Chris Hundley,Jim Murdock, George Dziarski, John Thompson Front - D'Arcy McKinley, Glenn McLelland, Tony McKinley, John MacTavish, Mike Czura 2005 CHAMPS (-8)
Darrell Land (pick-up-Toronto ON), John MacTavish, Tony McKinley, D'Arcy McKinley Best rounds – 2005 Chris Hundley – 72 Glenn McLelland – 74 George Dziarski - 76 John MacTavish - 76 Trip to the Copacabana in Havana
It's not all about golf!
A La Carte at Martinos
Seated - Frank Sullivan, unknown lassie, John Thompson, Murray Schmidt Standing - Peter Ford, John MacTavish, Jim Murdock, George Dziarski, Glenn Mclelland, Chris Hundley, Tony McKinley, D'Arcy McKinley Missing - Mike Czura
Year #21 – November 29 – December 6, 2004 Grant Ventana Resort – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Playa Dorado Golf Course (NO PHOTO) One foursome only - Mike Czura, George Dziarski, D'Arcy McKinley, John Thompson
Year #20 – November 29 – December 6, 2003 Melia Cozumel Golf & Beach Resort - Cozumel, Mexico Cozumel Country Club
Back – Joe Bogensberger 3rd row – Siggy Filipitsch, Ron Czura, Bill Stephenson, Mike Czura 2nd row – Wayne Carleton, Al Tomaso, Rick Behling, Chris Hundley Front – John Thompson, George Dziarski, John MacTavish, D’Arcy McKinley Returned to Canada – Gary Robbins, Frank Sullivan Deceased – Syd Brown 2003 CHAMPS (-12) (Tournament Record) (Seeking photo) George Dziarski, Siggy Filipitsch, D'Arcy McKinley Best round – 2003
Chris Hundley – 74
Gone But Not Forgotten
Syd Brown - R.I.P. Nov. 2, 1939 to Nov. 30, 2003
NOT A GOOD WEEK Fire in the restaurant/dining room.
The Only Highlight
Hole-In-One by Mike Czura (first of the trip)
Year #19 – November 23 – December 7, 2002 Coral Costa Caribe Beach Hotel - La Romana, Dominican Republic Guavaberry Golf and Country Club
Back – George Basler, Paul McKinley, Don Hoffman, Bill Ballagh, Wayne Carleton, Doug Wheeler, George Dziarski, Frank Sullivan Middle – Joe Bogensberger, Tony McKinley, Siggy Filipitsch, Tom Burns, Gary Robbins Front – Jim Murdock, David Aves, Abner Baer, Glenn McLelland, Al Tomaso, John MacTavish, John Thompson Missing – Mike Czura, D’Arcy McKinley 2002 CHAMPS (tied) (-6)
Glenn McLelland, Syd Brown, Wayne Carleton, Jim Murdock
Frank Sullivan, D'Arcy McKinley, Al Tomaso, George Dziarski Los Originals Cuatro Joe Bogensberger, John MacTavish, John Thompson and Mike Czura filling in for George Kerr 19 years after the start.
Year #18 – November 30 - December 14, 2001 Continental Plaza - Ixtapa, Mexico Marina Ixtapa Golf Course
Back – Frank Sullivan, Wayne Carleton, D’Arcy McKinley, Syd Brown, Ron Czura Middle – Mike Czura, Siggy Filipitsch, Jim Murdock, Bill Lovell, David Aves, George Dziarski, Front – John MacTavish, Glen McLelland, Joe Bogensberger, Al Tomaso, John Thompson 2001 CHAMPS (-8)
Syd Brown, Glenn McLelland, Wayne Carleton and Jim Murdock Best rounds – 2001
John MacTavish – 76
Glenn McLelland - 79
Year #17 – November 30 – December 14, 2000 Intercontinental Presidente – Ixtapa, Mexico Marina Ixtapa Golf Course
Back – Peter Ford, Mike Czura, Ron Czura, Siggy Filipitsch, Syd Brown, Rick Gildner Middle –Mac Lindsay, Ramesh (Sam) Jagoo, Joe Bogensberger, Patrick Brown, George Kerr, George Dziarski, Bill Ballagh Front – John Thompson, D’Arcy McKinley, Al Tomaso, Chris Hundley, John MacTavish, George Basler Missing – Gary Robbins. Arrived second week – Bryan Thompson, Rob Thompson 2000 CHAMPS (-5)
George Dziarski, Mac Lindsay, Peter Ford & Patrick Brown Los Originals Cuatro
Joe Bogensberger, John MacTavish,George Kerr and John Thompson 17 years after the start. Family Affair
Bryan, Rob and John Thompson Catch of the Week
Rob and Bryan - success in the Pacific Year #16 – December 2 – 9, 1999 Intercontinental Presidente – Ixtapa, Mexico Marina Ixtapa Golf Course Back – Chris Hundley, George Dziarski, John Thompson, Frank Sullivan, Jim Dziarski, Mac Lindsay Middle – Bill Lovell, Ron Czura, Gary Robbins, Syd Brown, John MacTavish Front – Joe Bogensberger, Peter Ford, Siggy Filipitsch, Mike Czura
1999 CHAMPS (-5) Gary Robbins, Syd Brown, Siggy Filipitsch, (John Thompson), Chris Hundley
Year #15 – November 30 – December 14, 1998 Playa Grande – San Jose, Dominican Republic Caribbean Village Play Grande Golf Course Back – Wayne Carleton, George Dziarski, Frank Sullivan, Gary Robbins Middle – George Kerr, Rick Behling, Don Hoffman, Peter Ford, Bill Ballagh, John Thompson Front – John MacTavish, Syd Brown, Al Tomaso, Bill Stephenson, Joe Bogensberger, Mike Czuras, D’Arcy McKinley Missing – Siggy Filipitsch 1999 CHAMPS (Tournament rained out week #1)
Year #14 – December 8-15, 1997 Jack Tar Village – Frigate Bay, Basseterre, St. Kitts Royal St. Kitts Golf Course
Back – Bryan Thompson, Chris Hundley, George Dziarski, Frank Sullivan Middle – Tony A (tourney pickup), Peter Ford, Al Tomaso, Gary Robbins Front – Syd Brown, Mike Czura, John MacTavish, John Thompson, Siggy Filipitsch, Joe Bogensberger Missing – D’Arcy McKinley 1997 CHAMPS (-6) Los Originals Cuatro
John MacTavish, Mike (pickup from Mississauga), John Thompson and Joe Bogensberger
Year #13 – December 5 – 12, 1996 Diamond Loreto Resort Loreto Golf Club Not the best photo with two much sun in the eyes and too much shade for the back row.
Back – Syd Brown, George Kerr, Wayne Carleton, Frank Sullivan, George Dziarski Middle – Gary Robbins, Rick Behling, Rick Gildner, Frank Sullivan, Bill Stephenson, John Thompson Front – Peter Ford, Steven North, Joe Bogensberger, John MacTavish, Mike Czura 1996 CHAMPS (-4) Los Originals Cuatro
Joe Bogensberger, John MacTavish, John Thompson, George Kerr thirteen years after the start.
Year #12 – December 1-8, 1995 Club Maeva, Las Hades – Manzanillo, Mexico Mantarraya Golf Course
Back – Ron Douglas, George Dziarski Middle – John MacTavish, Syd Brown, John Thompson, Frank Sullivan Front – Rick Behling, Joe Bogensberger, Peter Ford, Mike Czura, Gary Robbins. Missing – Ron Czura, Rick Gilnder, George Kerr 1995 CHAMPS tied (-3) Los Originals Cuatro
Joe Bogensberger, George Kerr, John MacTavish, John Thompson and
Ron Douglas, Frank Sullivan and Rick Gildner
Year #11 – November 30 – December 7, 1994 Coronado Club Suites Resort – Panama Coronado Golf Club Start of a new decade, and the largest group to date in Coronado Club Suites Resort, Panama. On the steps at Coronado –
Back – Peter Ford, George Kerr, Ron Czura, Wayne Carleton, Ron Douglas Middle – John Thompson, John MacTavish, Frank Sullivan, Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins, Tony Denardis Front – Joe Bogensberger, Mike Czura, Syd Brown, Bill Stephenson, Rick Behling 1994 CHAMPS (-2) Los Originals Cuatro
John MacTavish, Coronado Resort manager George, George Kerr, Joe Bogensberger and John Thompson Los Originals Cuatro
Joe Bogensberger, George Kerrr, John MacTavish, John Thompson 11 years after the start.
What's not to like about Panama?
Luz, our beautiful Sunquest Rep and shirt model!
Year #10 – November 29 – December 6, 1993 Royal Maeva – Huatulco, Mexico Tangolunda Golf Course
Back – Syd Brown, Woody Green, Peter Ford, Chris Hundley, Ron Douglas, Ben Pastway, George Kerr Front – John Thompson, Dave Leroux, Gary Robbins, John MacTavish, Dave Wright, Mike Czura, Joe Bogensberger 1993 CHAMPS (even par)
Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins, Joe Bogensberger & Ron Douglas
#9 – November 30 – December 7, 1992 Royal Maeva – Huatulco, Mexico Tangolunda Golf Course
Back – Ron Douglas, Gary Robbins, George Kerr, Chris Hundley Middle – Murray Kerr, Peter Ford, Dave Wright, John Thompson Front – Joe Bogensberger, John MacTavish, Syd Brown, Mike Czura 1992 CHAMPS (tied)
Peter Ford, George Kerr, Murray Kerr Chris Hundley
Joe Bogensberger, Ron Douglas, John MacTavish, Dave Wright
Year #8 – December 1-8, 1991 Jack Tar Village – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Playa Dorado Golf Course
Back – George Basler, John Thompson, George Kerr, Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins, Peter Ford Middle – Mike Czura, Syd Brown, John MacTavish, Joe Bogensberger, Barry Capling, Woody Green Front – unknown lassie
Year #7 – December 3 – 10, 1990 Jack Tar Village, Frigate Bay – Basseterre, St. Kitts Royal St. Kitts Golf Course
Back – George Kerr, Chris Hundley, Gary Robbins, Murray Kerr Middle – John Thompson, John Brown, Mike Czura, Syd Brown Front – Woody Green, John MacTavish, Rick Gildner, Joe Bogensberger
Year #6 – December 4 -11, 1989 Jack Tar Village – Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Los Flamencos Golf Course
Back – Murray Kerr, Gary Robbins, Chris Hundley, George Kerr, John MacTavish, Syd Brown, Donald MacTavish Front – Joe Bogensberger, Woody Green, John Thompson, Norm MacLennan, Mike Czura 1989 CHAMPS
John MacTavish, Mike Czura, Woody Green, George Kerr SMOKIN' JOE
"Smokin Joe" Bogensberger earns his nick-name as a result of the infamous "exploding golf ball" on a par three at Los Flamencos Golf Course Catch of the Day
George, John and Syd display one of five sail-fish and one "dolphin fish" - what a bunch of lunkers! Year #5 – November 27 – December 4, 1988 Treasure Cay Beach Hotel & Villas, Great Abaco Islands, Bahamas Treasure Cay Golf Course
Chris Hundley, Murray Kerr, Bll Lovell, John MacTavish and Mike Czura Lobster Dinner
Mike Czura, Ron Czura and Murray Kerr
George Kerr, Joe Bogensberger & Bill Lovell Year #4 – November 20 – 28, 1987 Jack Tar Village, Frigate Bay – Basseterre, St. Kitts Royal St. Kitts Golf Course Los Originals Cuatro
Toga Night 1987 - George Kerr, Joe Bogensberger, John Thompson, John MacTavish Year #3 – November 22-29, 1986 Jack Tar Village – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Playa Dorado Golf Course
Los Originals Cuatro
Year #2 – 1985 Jack Tar Village - West End, Grand Bahama Island Grand Bahama Golf Course Harvey Mann, George Kerr, John MacTavish, John Thompson
Year #1 – 1984 Jack Tar Village, Grand Bahama Hotel & Country Club West End, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas Grand Bahama Golf Course Los Originals Cuatro
George Kerr, John Thompson, John MacTavish with Joe Bogensberger serving as the photographer. |
