Unprecedented playoff determines tournament winners

After playing a full 18 holes of golf, a three-way tie resulted in an unprecedented decision that determined this year's winner of the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association Island Springs Charity Golf Classic.

This year saw 11 teams of four and one team of three play off, down from 18 teams registered in 2015. 

In an attempt to break the tie, as per the rules handed out by MMHA the three teams of four players played the ninth hole, twice, and no winner was declared, all three teams made the par 4. 

The twelve players then moved to the 100 yard mark of the ninth hole and again, a tie.

Finally the players decided to gather on the edge of the green of the ninth hole and the closest single putt to the cup won.

After nearly two hours of sudden death play the Lambert team of Daniel Lambert, Mitch Gajda, Paul Eddy and John Gibbs was declared the winner.  

Gajda broke the tie sinking a 55 yard putt into the cup. 

The remaining eight players took their turn but were unsuccessful.

The team of Jim Crosby, Calvin Stevens, Edwin Stevens and Wes Stevens, and the team of Bob Lindsay, Raquel Lindsay, Anthony Dezordo and Erin Dezordo tied for second place.

Other awards included a tie for the, Most Honest, team: Mayla Brauner, Carl Punkari, Brett Punkari and Joe Addison, and the team of Judy Connell, Arden Irwin, Sally Wismer and Bob Wismer.

Closest to the pin: Men- Calvin Stevens. Women- Julie Stevens.

Longest putt: Men- Arden Irwin. Women- Mayla Brauner.

Closest to the chip: Men- Tom Fremlin. Women- Sharon Stevens.  

Spirit Award: Bob Wismer.

The golf tournament is one of several ways MMHA raises much needed funds throughout the year with moneys raised going toward building maintenance, equipment and health care services at the North Shore Health Network Richards Landing site and the BridgeLink Medical Centre.

"Without a clinic we wouldn't have doctors. Without doctors we wouldn't have a hospital," Matthews Memorial Hospital Association chair, Sheila Campbell told golfers that participated in the annual fund raiser.

Campbell thanked those who contributed to the success of the tournament which raised around $10,000 this year.

"Thank you to those who came out and gave us your dollars," she said adding new flooring was being installed at that moment at the doctor's office to the tune of $22,000. "It's not cheap."

Though the name of the community-based hospital has changed, it is still the same building.

"Only the signs have changed," said MMHA board member, Albert Crowder. "Although we outsource our hospital administration to the Blind River Hospital, we are the owners of the building, and the BridgeLink Medical Centre building is entirely the responsibility of MMHA."

Established in 1925 with the mandate to carry out the work of a community hospital and provide health care service to the residents of St. Joseph Island and the surrounding North Shore.

MMHA operates BridgeLink Medical Clinic, built in 1998. The clinic provides numerous services including doctors' offices, pharmacy, diabetic self care, foot care, massage therapy, addiction counselling, blood services to all in the catchment area.

Under the hospital charter, MMHA board is mandated to maintain the hospital and the clinic in order to recruit and retain doctors and other professionals.

After 18 years, BridgeLink Medical Clinic is in need of upgrades. New flooring and lighting have been installed.

"But we still need your help," Crowder said adding new heating and cooling systems and windows are needed as well insulation upgrades. 

To meet their cost, MMHA depend upon the generous donations from individuals, support from several municipalities, In Memoriams and fund raising events such as the golf tournament, Christmas Tree Lighting and the up-and-coming performance by the Co-Medics in October.

"It is our hope that Matthews is left to the next generation with our medical centre and hospital improved and its long term future secured," Crowder said. "For just pennies a day, this is the legacy we want to leave to our children and I hope it is yours also."