A record amount of money is being donated to the Prostate Cancer Departments at two Toronto area hospitals through the 2023 Ben Kern National Pro-Am at The National Golf Club of Canada. With the support of golf legends Rocco Mediate and Steve Elkington, members and guests raised approximately $650,000 with the net proceeds going to Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
“We are so pleased to be connecting with these two amazing hospitals for the first time to make a positive impact in our community in the fight against prostate cancer,” said Stephen Miller, Chair of the Board at The National Golf Club of Canada. “It was wonderful to see how much everyone enjoyed themselves over the two days and the generosity of our membership is inspiring. We want to make a difference and help save lives.”
“It was an amazing day with a terrific group of people,” Rocco Mediate said. “And the end result was ridiculous. We raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight prostate cancer. The coolest part about our sport is that we can do this. We can raise money for important charities and have fun while we are doing it.”
The funds raised will benefit both hospitals’ quest to provide precision diagnostics utilizing cutting-edge imaging and genomics platforms, coupled with robotic surgery and state-of-the-art testing and protocols.
“Every day approximately 67 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Dr. Robert Nam, Head of Genitourinary Oncology of Sunnybrook Hospital. “At Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, we know that no two prostate cancers are exactly alike, and best outcomes come from treatments tailored to each patient’s individual biological. With this type of outstanding community support, we can spearhead the fight against prostate cancer and saves lives.”
For the first time in its history, the tournament evolved into a two-day event featuring an alumni pro-am on Sunday, August 27, followed by the main event on Monday, August 28 featuring a field of Canadian and international professionals and tour players, vying for a pro purse.
“It’s very motivating to be elevating the Ben Kern National Pro-Am to a two-day event and we look forward to growing it in the future while supporting additional charities in our community,” Miller added, noting the club will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The National Golf Club of Canada launched the Ben Kern National Pro-Am in 2003. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a true Canadian golf icon and member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame who passed away in 2002. Ben’s name resonates through the corridors of Canadian golf history and holds a special place in the hearts of members of the National Golf Club of Canada.
A portion of the proceeds from the pro-am will also continue to support junior golf as they always have.
Aaron Cockerill won low pro honours on Sunday, followed by Brad Fritsch, Danny King, Jim Rutledge and Nate Clingersmith.
Aaron Cockerill also posted the low score of the day to win the $10,000 first place cheque in the professional division at 1-under with a 70. Will Bateman and Steve Elkington finished T2 at 1-over 72, followed by a three-way tie for third at 2 -over 73 by Rocco Mediate, Myles Creighton and Alan McLean.
