July 9, 2008 - Media Release

Getting Ready for Lucky Number 13!!

Highland Classic Golf Tournament set for August 8th, 2008

Shown in the picture with two of the vehicles up for grabs as part of the four hole-in-one prizes are: Scotia Hyundai’s Angus Furlong, Barnes Insurance’ Garry Stack, Highland Classic Volunteer Stan Williams, RBC Financial’s Gary Tower, Amherst Chrysler’s Don Rogers and Katy van Vulpen of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation

AMHERST, NS (July 9th, 2008) – Next month, members of the golfing community and employees from the local businesses will hit the Amherst Golf and Country Club for the 13th Annual Highland Classic Golf Tournament being held on August 8th. Being one of the most popular fundraisers of the year for the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, numerous teams have registered to show their support for the event.

Last year, the Highland Classic was able to raise over $30,000 in support of the CHCF, with proceeds helping to support programs and services of the foundation including funding for new equipment, supporting the volunteer program and bursary program, along with other important services.

This year, the golf committee is looking to host another successful tournament. To start the day off, each team member will register and be served a light lunch before hitting the greens for a 12:30 shotgun start. Up for grabs is the highly coveted Highland Classic Cup which is displayed during the year at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

Numerous other prizes will be up for grabs, which can be won in a variety of smaller competitions including longest drive, most accurate drive, and closest to the pin. One of the more popular competitions of the weekend is the Hole in One competition, where four local sponsors will be donating prizes with $30,000 including cars from Amherst Chrysler and Scotia Hyundai or cash prizes valued at $30,000 from Royal Bank and Barnes Insurance.

If you are to visit the Amherst Golf Course today, you will be able to take advantage an open 18 hole course that boasts fast greens and lush fairways. However, the course did not start off this way. In fact, the first Amherst Golf Course was opened in 1909 on the Baker farm near Etter’s Brook in West Amherst. It was later moved to the Embree farm in East Amherst where it started off as a tight nine hole layout. It was not until the years of 1967-1970 that it was expanded into the 18 hole championship layout that you see today.

Upon completion of this championship course, a new clubhouse was built in 1971 for members and newcomers to enjoy. To further add to the course, the club just recently opened a new driving range to help teach the game and improve your swing. This will be beneficial for any golf-lover who is looking to step up their game. With tricky holes that have been nicknamed things such as the “Eye-Opener” and “Cat Tails”, the Amherst Golf Course is a challenging yet fun filled course to play.

For those who will be participating in the 13th Annual Highland Classic, the fun will not stop on the course. Following the festivities, the day will come to an end with a steak barbeque and live auction. The Foundation is looking to register 36 teams for the event and are quickly reaching that number. Team registration forms can be obtained by calling 667-5400 ext 6210 or by visiting the Foundation website at
www.chcfoundation.com.