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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 22, 2009 · 8 Stars support first Mike Weir Charity Classic Continued from page 1 their busy summer to come here and I'm honoured that they came," said Weir. "Thanks for supporting my foundation." The calibre of PGA Tour pros and celebrities that supported the event was impressive, with names like Mark Calcavecchia, Paul Coffey and Thomas Gibson. Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash was another star golfer on the course. "It's a charity event for the kids and Mike is a busy guy, so for him to put it on is pretty special," Nash told the Oakville Beaver. The hockey pro admitted he was a decent golfer, but having never golfed Glen Abbey, had only one strategy for the day. "I'm really just trying to not hit anyone," he confided. Many women in the audience were audibly excited when Hollywood star Kevin Costner of Tin Cup fame arrived. Despite starring in a golf movie, Costner said he isn't particularly interested in the sport. He came to Oakville to support a good cause, he said. "One of the great things golf has done is the ability to raise money on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of a (tournament) week," he said. "I don't know Mike, but I've been watching him the past five, six, seven years and he conducts himself really beautifully and he's a big-time player." The movie star said Monday before play started that he wasn't sure how well he would fare. "I've played about twice this year, so I have no idea (how I'll do)," Costner said. "Anybody can hit. What is hard to do is score." Despite the roster of celebrities at the event, it was really Weir's day to shine. Everyone, it NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER SAY CHEESE: Lori Bower and Jodie Connolly (centre) raced onto the fairway to have their photo taken with Kevin Costner during the Mike Weir Charity Classic at Glen Abbey on Monday afternoon. seemed, had something nice to say about the Canadian pro. "I wanted to help my friend Mike and support his great charity event, come up to Ontario and see my family (in London), enjoy the day and I've never played Glen Abbey and heard great things about it," said golfer Scott Mackesy from New York, who had the good fortune to golf with Weir and Paul Coffey on Monday. Mackesy added that he didn't feel any pressure golfing with the great Weir. "They are great guys and they don't put any pressure on you," he said. "If you keep your expectations reasonable, then you are going to do okay." Even caddies, who are avid golfers, didn't mind carrying a bag of clubs around Glen Abbey's expansive 18-hole course without having the chance to hit a single ball. They said it was just a joy to be there. "I'm excited to see the pros, they are just so awesome," said Kathy Korcsok, of Aurora, caddy for brother-in-law Dave Williamson, who was golfing with two-time PGA Tour winner Camilo Villegas. "I haven't been able to sleep the last few nights because I've been so excited." Golfers and caddies weren't the only ones revved up on Monday morning. Throngs of media snapped photos and grabbed interviews with golfers, as a large crowd of spectators, hoping for an autograph or photo with their favourite star, watched from behind the fence. An unusually high number of young men wearing basketball jerseys could be heard yelling compliments like "Michael you are beautiful" and "We love you Michael" when the NBA great arrived in a pink golf shirt and grey pants. "I just love Michael and have been a fan since I was born," said John Obrovac from Hamilton. "I've never seen him in person, so today was unreal. He was godlike." But Weir still seemed to be the crowd favourite of the day. "I'm here to see Mike Weir," said Jennifer Clarke, a Mississauga resident who has been coming to the Canadian Open since she was a young girl. "I'm a golfer myself and we as Canadians take pride in Mike and all of his accomplishments. I think this is a great concept, where people who are golfers can see the pros and people who are non-golfers get to see celebrities. It is the best of both worlds." The Mike Weir Charity Classic and remainder of the Canadian Open week is dependent on thousands of volunteers. Even those who had helped out in past years couldn't help but feel giddy on Monday. "Today, I wanted to see Kevin Costner and Michael Jordan," said Debbie Allen, of Burlington. "I love Tin Cup. It was very exciting to see him (Costner) and he is a very friendly man and very handsome." Others were donating their time as volunteers simply for the love of the game. "I think it is a worthwhile cause to come and help out," said Burlington golfer and volunteer Stan Ontong. "There are a number of people I follow, I'm a golfer, so it is just nice to be in their company." When the final putt had dropped at the end of the day, the team of Sean O'Hair and Damon Allen won the event, combining for an impressive team total of 19-under par. Vision ­ To be the most livable town in Canada Watch for the new 2009-2010 Fall/Winter Parks, Recreation and Culture Brochure delivered to your home this week. Registration S 905-338-4250 Registration Start Dates Residents: August 22 - 9 a.m. Non-Residents: September 4 - 9 a.m. Seniors: September 4 - 9 a.m. QE PARK CENTRE WILL CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 Future Queen Elizabeth Park Community Centre Starting this fall, renovations begin on QE Park Centre to transform the centre into a unique multi-purpose recreation, arts and culture facility. The new QE Park Community Centre will offer recreation programs and activities and extensive spaces for arts and culture activities. For information on program relocation call 905-338-4150 or visit www.oakville.ca/qepark.htm Building a Livable Community S Recreational Skating S Programs for All Ages and Abilities *HWDFWLYH\RXUZD\ HYHU\GD Registration Start Dates Residents: August 22 ­ 9 a.m. Non-residents: September 4 ­ 9 a.m. Seniors: September 4 ­ 9 a.m. Recognition, Reflection & Remembrance St. Jude's Cemetery - New Plots Available The Town of Oakville has a limited number of new plots available at the St. Jude's Cemetery located on Lakeshore Road at Dorval Drive. St. Jude's Cemetery was established in 1853 and is the resting place of many of Oakville's earliest settlers. Planning ahead ensures your loved ones will not have to make difficult decisions during their time of mourning. Your decision to select a plot now will give you and your survivors peace of mind, knowing there will be a place of remembrance for those who care for you to visit. Our courteous staff are sensitive to your needs and can assist you in making your arrangements. For more information, please call 905-338-4236 or visit www.oakville.ca/cemeteries.