Bank of Montreal Canadian Women's Open
A proud moment in Summerlea's history was the glorious week of August 13-18, 2002 when Summerlea hosted the LPGA Bank of Montreal Canadian Women's Open.
Thanks to John Scott and his team the Dorion course was in perfect condition. By Monday everything was in readiness and many volunteers from Summerlea and other local golf clubs eagerly eagerly awaited their assigned duties. The weather was beautiful but hot and the wind, always a factor at Summerlea, would definitely influence the final outcome.
The first event of the week was Family Day when 30 Canadian golf professionals took part in two 90-minute clinics for 240 Montreal golfers aged 6-15 as part of the Bank of Montreal Future Links Program. Putting the usual instruction techniques aside the young golfers had great fun trying to club tennis balls to stick to a moving human target wearing velcro and a helmet.
Following the Wednesday Pro Am on a very hot, humid day play began Thursday morning. The field included well known female golfing favorites – Lori Kane, Angela Buzminiski, Dawn Coe-Jones, Karrie Webb (fresh from her victory at the British Women's Open), Jan Stephenson (winner of the 1981 Du Maurier Classic at Summerlea), Julie Larsen Piers (wife of a Summerlea member), Laura Diaz, Se Ri Pak, Grace Park,Gloria Park, Catronia Matthew, Meg Mallon, Rosie Jones, Beth Daniel, Jo Anne, Kate Golden, Michelle McGann and Michelle Ellis.
Kate Golden was the first-round leader with a dramatic 66 -foot eagle on her last hole, the 471-yard par 5 ninth. A t thrilling end for her and the large gallery.
Friday morning, Summerlea’s well known prevailing southwesterly wind increased to brute force. It made a very rough round of golf. As expected, the hardest hole, the 12th with the elevated green sloping from back to front was almost impossible to putt. At the end of the day there were three tied for the lead, Catronia Matthew, Michelle Ellis and Gloria Park.
Saturday's round saw calmer conditions. Meg Mallon finished with a 5 under par lead but 20 minutes later Matthew sunk sunk a 12-foot putt to take first place.
A large crowd of spectators were present on the final day of the Open. It was a battle between Catronia Matthew and Meg Mallon. Tied after the 11th hole, the 12th proved to be Matthew's undoing. The wind pushed her drive into the trees and with an unplayable lie fell two strokes behind. In the last 7 holes she dropped 6 shots.
This was Meg Mallons 14th LPGA Tour victory.
Marion Dunn