For Ron Kerr, representing Saugeen Golf Club at the 2024 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship is more than just a personal milestone, it’s an honor.
The championship, which will take place from September 12-15 at Saugeen Golf Club, features a field of 156 amateur golfers competing for the John Rankin Memorial Trophy. Kerr, a Toronto native who moved to Saugeen Shores in 2020, is the lone representative from the local club.
Kerr says it was a great feeling to realize he was going to be representing the community, and the course. "We had a qualifier a week ago to determine the one player, then an additional four that got put into secondary qualifying, but unfortunately, those guys didn’t make it through. It was a tough field with about 60-70 guys fighting for 8-9 spots, so I’m the lone Saugeen Shores person."
For Kerr, the opportunity to represent Saugeen Golf Club on a national stage is significant. "It’s nice to represent everyone, but it’s a bit of added pressure. I’m a decent amateur golfer, but this is a national championship. I’m playing against some real high-quality players from around the world. I’m happy to be here and compete, but it’s cool to represent the Saugeen Golf Club and this community."
As he prepares for the tournament, Kerr remains optimistic but realistic about his chances. “I would not be a favorite, I’ll say that,” he chuckled. "Maybe as a sentimental favorite as the local guy, but there’s a lot of players in this field with incredible pedigrees—guys who played at big-name golf schools in the U.S. and maintained that competitive edge."
Kerr’s strategy for the week will focus on patience and consistency—keys to success at Saugeen Golf Club, a course he knows intimately. "The golf course is a terrific test of golf. You’ve got to be patient. My game has gotten better as the summer has gone on, but it’s about consistency, patience, and putting. You have to get the ball in the right place around here. I played a practice round with a couple of out-of-towners, and I told them that just because a hole looks short doesn’t mean you should hit the driver. Keeping the ball below the hole and knowing the bounces is crucial."
As for his mindset going into the event, Kerr hopes to stay focused and not get too far ahead of himself. "My objective is to play as well as I can, stay patient, and hit one shot at a time. Golf is a game where you can take yourself out of it easily, and I don’t want to do that. Hopefully, I’ll be somewhere on the board and get to play through the weekend."
The 2024 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will also include five past champions, along with competitors from across Canada, the U.S., and even Australia. Founded in 1925, Saugeen Golf Club will serve as the backdrop for this prestigious event, hosting golfers in both the senior and super senior divisions.
For Kerr, just being in the field is a victory in itself. "I’m honored to have come through qualifying and take the spot for Saugeen Golf Club. I’ll give it my best, and hopefully, I can make the community proud."