Today, LondonOntarioGolf.com has announced that Caradoc Sands Golf Club in Strathroy, is the winner of the 2022 London Ontario Golf Heart Award. The semi-private golf club which has been around for 19 years is the 12th winner of the Heart Award, established in 2011 and presented annually to a member of the Southwestern Ontario golf community who unselfishly gives back to local golf. With the Heart Award, Caradoc Sands GC is recognized for its philanthropy, growing the game, stimulating the local economy and creating community spirit.
Award-winning publication London Ontario Golf (est. 2004) “The Voice of Golf in Southwestern Ontario” is now published in its entirety at parent publication, LondonOntarioSports.com London’s Trusted Source for Sports News & Information. London Ontario Golf launched the Heart Award in 2011 in order to recognize a community member who gives back to the game through unselfish efforts.
The award honours those within the categories of golf professionals/instructors, golf mentors, golf course owners/operators, golf course architects/designers and members of the media. Winners are selected by the editors of LondonOntarioGolf.com. Heart & Stroke is the Official Charity of LondonOntarioGolf.com and LondonOntarioSports.com. February is Heart Month – visit heartandstroke.ca.
In fact, the club is much more than a popular, pristine, player-friendly golf course measuring from 5,094 to 6,303 yards in the heart of Southwestern Ontario farm country. From the moment owners Frank and Ann Toth opened their Bill Fox Jr.-designed golf course for play in 2003, the entire Strathroy-Caradoc community has embraced the club as a vital part of its identity. And in turn, the family-owned club has supported Strathroy-Caradoc through unparalleled philanthropy and through initiatives aiming to grow the game of golf.
“This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we wished to recognize a grassroots member of the Southwestern Ontario golf community who not only provides a great fitness offering and outdoor escape from the realities of life, but also who continues to grow and support the game as it sees record numbers of rounds played in Canada,” said LondonOntarioGolf.com publisher and editor Jeffrey Reed.
“We are all familiar with the Rogers Hometown Hockey initiative. But in fact, a golf club within a small-town Ontario community like Strathroy-Caradoc also acts as the heartbeat of that community. Caradoc Sands GC has supported hundreds of local groups and not-for-profits, provides free golf for junior golfers and their families, offers immaculate playing conditions and is the hub of local sports, leisure and business activity through golf, hospitality and special events,” Reed added.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized for our commitment to the Strathroy-Caradoc community,” said Caradoc Sands GC general manager Denton Hackney. “Growing the game of golf has always been our passion, and it lives today through our Kids Play Free program. We also donate 100 rounds of golf each year to groups and not-for-profits raising money for charity, in addition to offering other financial support to those causes. Our entire team is proud to add our name to the London Ontario Golf Heart Award.”
“With this award, Caradoc Sands GC joins the notable ranks of previous honourees like Mike Weir (2014) who have truly embraced the game of golf and its positive impact on communities across Southwestern Ontario,” said Joanne Vanderheyeden, Mayor, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. “LondonOntarioGolf.com has discovered what we’ve known for many years: that Caradoc Sands is an important part of Strathroy-Caradoc.”
LondonOntarioGolf.com and LondonOntarioSports.com will present the Heart Award to Caradoc Sands Golf Club at a ceremony in February, date TBA.
(Caradoc Sands Photo: Mainstreet Credit Union LTD)