Canadian Jr. Golf Association Newsletter

July 2006

Stephen Ames Cup Becomes More Than a Golf Tournament

By Rick Betts
rick.betts@cjga.com

Over the past four years I’ve had the opportunity to travel with a number of international teams with the CJGA.  It was with great anticipation that I landed at Piarco Airport in Trinidad last week for the second annual Stephen Ames Cup.  In all honesty I didn’t know what to expect from a country that tends to fly under the radar for the most part.  A small island, rich in oil reserves, tucked in the Caribbean that turned out to be a hidden gem – not only for its beautiful landscape but for the people who call it home.

Ten of Canada’s finest junior golfers earned the right to represent the CJGA and Canada at the Ryder Cup style tournament hosted by St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Moka.  They had no idea what was in store for them.

It quickly became evident that Team Trinidad & Tobago would be tough to beat. Kudos to the Trinidad team for closing out a strong Canadian side 15 – 5 after three days of competition in fourball, foursome, and singles matches to bring the overall series to 1- 1. There was great golf on display by both sides as the Canadians adjusted quickly to playing on a different grass than they had become accustomed to. 

But this trip was much more than a golf tournament.

In the hours following the final round, the gracious organizing committee led by Deborah Costelloe put the culture and traditions of Trinidad & Tobago on display.  There were bus trips organized to the beautiful beaches of Maracas and boat trips on the majestic Atlantic Ocean.  It was rare not to see one of the Canadian team members with a smile on their face-myself included.  Quickly, the trip became an exchange of culture between the countries as the two teams blended into one group.

Let’s not forgot about Stephen Ames.  A born Trini who now calls Canada home takes great pride in his birth country and the tournament that bears his name.  Not only was he at the golf course each day, he also accompanied both teams on the island trips. 

One of the Canadian players approached me at the golf course one day.  “It’s probably not going to hit me for a month or so but Stephen Ames just looked at my golf swing on the range and…talked about it,” he said.  I could only laugh as he was at a loss for words.

It was not uncommon to see Ames working with all of the players at one time or another on the putting green or driving range.  He cheered them on during their matches and congratulated or consoled them when they were completed.  He had nicknames for the kids and it was obvious how much it meant to them.  Quickly, Stephen became one of the group.

I’ll never forget this trip and I can safely say that nobody who experienced it will either.  Thank you to the organizing committee, the golf course, the sponsors, and most importantly Stephen Ames.  For one-week you made a difference in the lives of 20 junior golfers.

Sometimes, winning isn’t everything.