Chairman's Message
September 22, 2021
ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
The spectators, family members, and friends who attended the 16th annual playing of the Canterbury Kiely Cup and had the stamina to walk Canterbury's rolling fairways witnessed a record-breaking performance this past Sunday & Monday by the current state champions, Akron’s Archbishop Hoban.
The Hoban Knights, under the tutelage of coach Quinn Parker, have been on a winning streak since before last year's state tournament held at the OSU Scarlet course, in Columbus. The Kiely Cup victory was their eighth tournament win this fall, and they're not done yet since sectionals, districts, and the 2021 state tournament are all within sight. Aiding their Kiely Cup triumph, was tournament medalist junior, Nolan Haynes, who posted an opening 3-under (69) on Sunday and a 1-under (71) on Monday. But like every round of golf, it coulda-shoulda been better. Nolan was 4 under standing on the 14th tee box, then he proceeded to push his tee shot right. Later he told me, "I tried going Tiger Woods and hit a high hook over the trees for my second shot, but the ball struck a hanging tree branch and fell into high grass.” The result was a double bogey. He managed to par 15, 16, and 17 but he let a tight chip left of the flag on 18 and a tricky putt coming back to get away. His two-day total of (140) was two strokes shy of the individual record set in 2015 by Walsh’s, Zak Supelak. Golfing legend Sam Snead once said, "I'd rather face a rattlesnake than a downhill two-footer at Canterbury."
Sunday’s perfect weather concluded outside on Canterbury's patio at sunset with a hearty banquet and welcoming remarks by the club's current president, Tim Cercelle. Canterbury's 16-time club champion, Bob Fairchild, followed reflecting on his close personal friendship with Ohio golf legend, the late (great) Bob Lewis—a recent recipient of the distinguished USGA Bob Jones Award. Canterbury's own Mike Kiely, back from hip surgery, offered remarks on his philosophy of life: God, family, and golf treasures. This year's featured speaker, Ohio Golf Hall of Fame member and former Canterbury teaching pro Alan Fadel, spoke with unique inside-the ropes understanding of the game and the distinction between playing professionally and as an amateur. The touring pro and a highly accomplished amateur made Kiely smile broadly while listening to Alan's passion and love of the game, which began early as a caddy. His hard work, talent, and dedication have resulted in numerous club championships ranging from Inverness, Pine Valley, to Seminole--along with more wins than I can count, including the Ohio Amateur, Ohio Mid-Amateur, USGA team championships. His accomplishments and leadership with the Amateur Golf Alliance, George Coleman Invitational at Seminole, and the First Tee in Toledo resonated with the young competitors. Yes giving back to the game can be as rewarding as playing.
The second round Monday morning broke clear and slightly humid. Hoban put the pedal to the metal, and the putts dropped. From top to bottom, Quinn Parker's starting five all scored in the 70s for a final one-day total of 296, which together with Sunday's opening 300 stroke performance, set a new Kiely Cup tournament record! Their 596 made them the only team since the Kiely Cup became a two-day tourney in 2014 to score under 600 strokes. However, more important than winning another invitational tournament, or Nolan's remarkable performance, was how teammate Solomon Petrie handled a strict rule infraction during Monday morning's round. Respect for the game—words uttered by our speakers Sunday evening—were exemplified on the third tee box when Solomon realized his golf bag contained an extra club. Given that he had played two holes with 15 clubs, he immediately and correctly assessed himself a four-shot penalty, then stepped up and shot a stunning 77 along with 78 for a 155 total. Impressive!
First time Kiely Cup invitee Newark Catholic may have finished 13th overall but they're a small D-3 school. According to coach Phil West, with only 87 boys, 57 playing football, it doesn't leave many to develop. It didn't stop Coach West though. Newark Catholic earned their invitation to the Kiely Cup by finishing first at their District 3 tournament on the rugged Donald Ross Denison University course, then 6th at State last year.
A shout-out goes to two of Alex Kepley's Cincinnati St. X bunch, Zach Beard (81-72 153) and Luke Calvert (89-80 169). They solved the speed and slope of Canterbury's smooth greens by shooting nine fewer strokes (each) in Monday's final round. Two-time back-to-back Kiely Cup champs (2016 & 2017) St. Xavier can never be counted out at State.
The St. Ignatius Wildcats, consistently solid and two-time Kiely Cup champs (2006 & 2011), finished at 614. Runner-up to Hoban at State last year, coach PJ Meyer's boys' have been bridesmaids too often. Look for them to give the state tournament final D-1 field of twelve teams all they can handle. Finally, 3rd place finish went to a first time Kiely Cup invitee, Tim Lambert's William Mason Comets (636). Fifth at State last year, they could surprise those teams fortunate to make it to Columbus.
This year's state tournament promises to be another exciting close finish. I hope the Kiely Cup helped prepare this year's invitees for the challenges presented by the OSU & North Star courses. I can guarantee those interested spectators, family and, friends who trudged up and down Canterbury's fairways won't have to march up as many hills in Columbus. Best of luck to the teams that make it down south!
Craig Fraser
ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
The spectators, family members, and friends who attended the 16th annual playing of the Canterbury Kiely Cup and had the stamina to walk Canterbury's rolling fairways witnessed a record-breaking performance this past Sunday & Monday by the current state champions, Akron’s Archbishop Hoban.
The Hoban Knights, under the tutelage of coach Quinn Parker, have been on a winning streak since before last year's state tournament held at the OSU Scarlet course, in Columbus. The Kiely Cup victory was their eighth tournament win this fall, and they're not done yet since sectionals, districts, and the 2021 state tournament are all within sight. Aiding their Kiely Cup triumph, was tournament medalist junior, Nolan Haynes, who posted an opening 3-under (69) on Sunday and a 1-under (71) on Monday. But like every round of golf, it coulda-shoulda been better. Nolan was 4 under standing on the 14th tee box, then he proceeded to push his tee shot right. Later he told me, "I tried going Tiger Woods and hit a high hook over the trees for my second shot, but the ball struck a hanging tree branch and fell into high grass.” The result was a double bogey. He managed to par 15, 16, and 17 but he let a tight chip left of the flag on 18 and a tricky putt coming back to get away. His two-day total of (140) was two strokes shy of the individual record set in 2015 by Walsh’s, Zak Supelak. Golfing legend Sam Snead once said, "I'd rather face a rattlesnake than a downhill two-footer at Canterbury."
Sunday’s perfect weather concluded outside on Canterbury's patio at sunset with a hearty banquet and welcoming remarks by the club's current president, Tim Cercelle. Canterbury's 16-time club champion, Bob Fairchild, followed reflecting on his close personal friendship with Ohio golf legend, the late (great) Bob Lewis—a recent recipient of the distinguished USGA Bob Jones Award. Canterbury's own Mike Kiely, back from hip surgery, offered remarks on his philosophy of life: God, family, and golf treasures. This year's featured speaker, Ohio Golf Hall of Fame member and former Canterbury teaching pro Alan Fadel, spoke with unique inside-the ropes understanding of the game and the distinction between playing professionally and as an amateur. The touring pro and a highly accomplished amateur made Kiely smile broadly while listening to Alan's passion and love of the game, which began early as a caddy. His hard work, talent, and dedication have resulted in numerous club championships ranging from Inverness, Pine Valley, to Seminole--along with more wins than I can count, including the Ohio Amateur, Ohio Mid-Amateur, USGA team championships. His accomplishments and leadership with the Amateur Golf Alliance, George Coleman Invitational at Seminole, and the First Tee in Toledo resonated with the young competitors. Yes giving back to the game can be as rewarding as playing.
The second round Monday morning broke clear and slightly humid. Hoban put the pedal to the metal, and the putts dropped. From top to bottom, Quinn Parker's starting five all scored in the 70s for a final one-day total of 296, which together with Sunday's opening 300 stroke performance, set a new Kiely Cup tournament record! Their 596 made them the only team since the Kiely Cup became a two-day tourney in 2014 to score under 600 strokes. However, more important than winning another invitational tournament, or Nolan's remarkable performance, was how teammate Solomon Petrie handled a strict rule infraction during Monday morning's round. Respect for the game—words uttered by our speakers Sunday evening—were exemplified on the third tee box when Solomon realized his golf bag contained an extra club. Given that he had played two holes with 15 clubs, he immediately and correctly assessed himself a four-shot penalty, then stepped up and shot a stunning 77 along with 78 for a 155 total. Impressive!
First time Kiely Cup invitee Newark Catholic may have finished 13th overall but they're a small D-3 school. According to coach Phil West, with only 87 boys, 57 playing football, it doesn't leave many to develop. It didn't stop Coach West though. Newark Catholic earned their invitation to the Kiely Cup by finishing first at their District 3 tournament on the rugged Donald Ross Denison University course, then 6th at State last year.
A shout-out goes to two of Alex Kepley's Cincinnati St. X bunch, Zach Beard (81-72 153) and Luke Calvert (89-80 169). They solved the speed and slope of Canterbury's smooth greens by shooting nine fewer strokes (each) in Monday's final round. Two-time back-to-back Kiely Cup champs (2016 & 2017) St. Xavier can never be counted out at State.
The St. Ignatius Wildcats, consistently solid and two-time Kiely Cup champs (2006 & 2011), finished at 614. Runner-up to Hoban at State last year, coach PJ Meyer's boys' have been bridesmaids too often. Look for them to give the state tournament final D-1 field of twelve teams all they can handle. Finally, 3rd place finish went to a first time Kiely Cup invitee, Tim Lambert's William Mason Comets (636). Fifth at State last year, they could surprise those teams fortunate to make it to Columbus.
This year's state tournament promises to be another exciting close finish. I hope the Kiely Cup helped prepare this year's invitees for the challenges presented by the OSU & North Star courses. I can guarantee those interested spectators, family and, friends who trudged up and down Canterbury's fairways won't have to march up as many hills in Columbus. Best of luck to the teams that make it down south!
Craig Fraser