$1 million raised to fight prostate cancer at Ben Kern National Pro-Am
Scott MacLeod / Flagstick.com
VAUGHAN, ON – Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre will receive a record-setting donation from the Ben Kern 2024 Pro-Am Charity Golf Tournament at The National Golf Club of Canada.
A late-evening live dinner auction on Monday, August 26, helped push the donation from the stellar two-day event over the $1 million mark. Several players also donated their winnings back to The National Golf Club of Canada Foundation, which also supports junior golf initiatives in Kern’s name.
A stellar field of pro-am participants, including Champions Tour Professionals Ernie Els, Chris DiMarco, Tom Pernice, Gene Sauers, Mark Calcavecchia, Boo Weekley, Skip Kendall, Glen Day, and Brett Quigley, along with Canadians including Matthew Anderson, Gord Burns, Derek Gillespie, Cam Kellett, Dennis Hendershott and Mark Hoffman were among the professionals that tee it up on Monday.
“We did it. A big thank you to our members and supporters who dug deep to help us reach our goal of raising $1 million for prostate cancer research,” said Stephen Miller, Chairman of the Board at The National Golf Club of Canada. “What a wonderful way to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary and make a positive impact in our community. I can’t wait for next year. We’ll continue to get bigger and better in our fight against cancer.”
Contributions from the Ben Kern Pro Am support cancer research at two world-leading institutions. Members and guests heard that dozens of prostate cancer research studies are now underway at Sunnybrook. “It’s undoubtedly a new era in prostate cancer screening and treatment in Canada. Your dollars are making a difference,” Dr. Robert Nam, Ajmera Chair of Urologic Oncology at Sunnybrook, shared with fellow members on Monday evening as he encouraged men to be screened for prostate cancer, which can now be done with an MRI.
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 from Kidney cancer. 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. The fundraiser evolved into a two-day event in 2023 that raised approximately $650,000, with the net proceeds going to Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Tom Pernice earned $10,000 for winning Monday’s Ben Kern Pro-Am with an even-par score of 71. In second place, Chris DiMarco and Gord Burns each earned $6,000 for shooting 1-over 72. In a gesture of generosity, Pernice and DiMarco donated their winnings to cancer research at both hospitals. Fourth place went to Ernie Els at 3-over 74. There was a three-way tie for fifth at 75, including Gene Sauers, Matthew Anderson and Glen Day. The winning team at 19-under included Cam Kellett, Fred Vallozzi, Anthony Martelli and Mark Rubino.
“This has been one of the most exceptional days I have been involved with in a long time. I just felt so welcomed by the membership. The course is phenomenal. It would be among the top 10 courses I have played worldwide,” Pernice said after the round. “For a two-day event to raise over $1 million for prostate cancer research is unheard of. It says so much about the leadership and character of the membership. It was a pleasure to be part of, and I hope we can be part of it next year.”
Mark Hoffman picked up $2,500 for winning the sold-out Sunday Ben Kern National Alumni Pro-Am with 34 Stableford points, followed by Mike Resciniti and Parker Mellott with 33 points each. There was a three-way tie in the team division at 13-under – Cam Kellett, Marco Bellisario, Paol Cammalleri and Remo Niceforo; Mike Resciniti, Danny Stirpe, Jack D’Ambrosio and Vito Sili; and Vic Ciesielski, Marc Feldman, James Levitt and William Marudas rounded out the winners.
