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Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, April 21, 2016 | 32 SPORTS Long-awaited start to golf season BY MICHAEL HAYAKAWA Long-time hockey buddies share Steve Wright Award BY MICHAEL HAYAKAWA mhayakawa@yrmg.com Mother Nature sure likes to be a tease. What had the makings of an early spring with WhitchurchStouffville dodging any major snowstorms as compared with a year ago, it sure looked like golfers would get an early start to the local season. But those wishes were shortlived when Old Man Winter returned in late March and early April, dumping more snow and blowing in more cold air. It seems the worst is over and golfers can finally celebrate as local public courses are opening. That includes Ballantrae Golf Club, which welcomed players Friday. "Ideally, it would have been nice to open earlier," said John McLellan, Ballantrae Golf Club general manager. "But in April you'll always get some snow and that's what we got." Citing Ballantrae's opening this year is five days later than last year, McLellan noted their 18-hole track measuring 6,659 yards from the back tees is in good playing condition. That in large part was due to the lack of snow and milder temperatures this winter. The only thing they need to enhance their fairways and greens, he said, is plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures. "There's no winter damage," he reported. "Things are perfect. We just need to get going. Everything is good. "We're excited to start a new season." South on Hwy. 48, the Maples of Ballantrae Golf Club is on hold. Due to its location on the Oak Ridges Moraine, they intend to open their 18-hole course Friday (April 22), said Roy Chan, head professional. That, he said, is about the norm and close to last year's opening on April 25. For a while in early March, Chan acknowledged they entertained thoughts of opening earlier than usual. But in looking at the long range forecast, they elected to play it safe. Turns out that was a wise decision. "Right now the course is too wet. We want to give the course more time to dry up," he said. "The course is in great shape," he said. One change that did take place though, was in ownership. However, Chan was quick to note while there are new owners, the golf management group and course will operate in the same manner as in the past. At Bushwood Golf Club, their scheduled first tee off time was Saturday at 8 a.m., said club owner Mary Evelyn. In electing to open last weekend, she noted they looked at the long-range weekly forecast as their course was in the throes of drying up after the snow, rain and cold weather that invaded the area during the last couple of weeks. "It has been a very frustrating spring," she said. Like other local courses, she noted their 18-hole, par 72 championship course measuring some 6,500 yards took any punches Old Man Winter tried to throw at it. "The course looks great and it wintered very well," she said. mhayakawa@yrmg.com Don Shaw and Peter Hughes have been good friends for a long time. As a part of their friendship, the pair played minor hockey together while growing up in Newmarket. Since hanging up the blades as players, the pair of 47 year olds have remained in the game as coaches and turned to teaching those still nurturing their on-ice talents. The duo joined the WhitchurchStouffville Minor Hockey Association five years ago and their efforts haven't Peter Hughes (left) and Don Shaw. gone unnoticed. Shaw and Hughes received this year's Steve Wright Award, which recognizes a given to them during the association's coach, assistant coach, trainer or man- annual general meeting Wednesday was ager who has made a significant contri- something they weren't expecting. bution to minor hockey in Stouffville. "To be honest, it was a total shock "It's a nice surprise to have been when I received a phone call telling me nominated for an award that recognizes we had won the award," said Shaw, who someone for their volunteer work," said immediately relayed the good tidings to Shaw, who served as head coach of the Hughes. Clippers minor bantam AE head coach. Having been a minor hockey coach "It's a complete honour," added for 17 years, the award represents a Hughes. highlight in their hockey careers, Shaw In directing their club to an overall said. record of 26-15-3 this past season, Shaw "To win this award is definitely and Hughes acknowledged the award rewarding," Hughes said. 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