The 2026 annual Friends of Dick Emerson Memorial Golf Tournament

By Grieg Graham

Paris Independent Contributor

Held Saturday, August 22nd at the Burford Golf Course and it was so worth the wait. This is the date that this scribe circles on his calendar every year. Of course, the Paris Duffers were out in full force and did not disappoint. The beauty of this tournament is that Paris Duffers that live elsewhere and can’t make our weekly Friday round also circle this date on their calendars. The camaraderie proves you can come home again! Making appearances were Marble, Croosh, Buzz, Hag, Uncle Larry, Oscar and a host of others.  I bet Richard “Dick” Emerson Jr. would be so proud.

  \ Speaking of whom here is a little backstory on Mr. Emerson. Born March 27th, 1927, Dick turned to and excelled at sports. He played Jr. hockey with Paris and Guelph from 1944 to 1947 claiming a Southwestern Ontario Jr B Championship. At this time, he was awarded the University of Western Ontario’s Student of the year. On the greens he was equally formidable in winning 17 Paris Golf and Country Club titles over a 20-year span.

   His engagement in local sports was palpable as a thirty-year member of the Paris Curling Club, coaching minor hockey and a longstanding member of the Paris Figure Skating Club. Dick also lent time to the Canadian Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels and was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s United Church. Of course he was inducted into The Brant County Hall of Fame. Quite the resume.

   This tournament has been going since 2004. The story goes that Stewie and Oscar played a round in honour of Dick. They had such a great time that they had the epiphany of inviting a few more players next year. 

They soon had a waiting list as long as the players. Many friends and family pitched in unselfishly to ensure success. In following in Dick’s footsteps of philanthropy, the decision on a charity was to aid in the access to sports. Considering Dick’s love of sports it seemed a no brainer.  The Jump Start program with our local Canadian Tire has been a benefactor that met donations dollar for dollar. Donations have also been made to the County of Brant to assist local programs. To date, the tournament has raised over $100,000.00.

   Back to the actual game. In the winner’s circle with a -14 was the foursome of Shawn Dailey, Callum Dailey, Buzz Cockburn (does anyone know his real name?) and Red Taylor. Good job boys. We’re all happy for you. Right? Two teams tied for runner up status at -11. They were Jacob Broomfield, Chris Rewuszsky, James Holmes and Justin McIntyre and the team of Scott Emerson, Mike Holman, Chuck Zammitti and Josh Spiegel. In honour of Joey Pickering the closest to pin winner was Callum Dailey and Face won the Stewie hole. Afterwords the prize table was a free for all and I ended up with a bag of golf tees. 

   As usual, our friends at The Burford Golf Course provided excellent service and the kitchen staff knocked it out. A hole in one! As for the after party, what happens in Paris stays in Paris. And, if you’re wondering, I have this date marked on my calendar for next year. For now, keep em in the fairways.