Dear TBDGA Members,

I would like to thank the previous Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to serve as the new President of the Thunder Bay District Golf Association (TBDGA). After serving as a member, director, and officer for the last three years, I am honoured to accept this lead position. I have now spent over two decades serving on an array of successful non-profit boards and organizing committees. I believe my experience with these organizations and amazing people will enable me to appropriately serve the TBDGA.

I must also thank our previous Board of Directors and members-at-large for confronting COVID-19 head-on and meeting the many challenges it presented over the last two years. Despite the unknowns and various precautions, the TBDGA team executed their responsibilities to the best of their abilities. We all owe them a tremendous "thank you" for their service to the TBDGA.

Looking back on the 2020 and 2021 seasons, I want to mention some of the TBDGA's highlights:

1. Members of the TBDGA's Board of Directors formed part of a special community task force that assembled to help convince Thunder Bay City Council to NOT close two municipally-run golf courses;

2. Throughout the Thunder Bay District, golf continued its resurgence as demonstrated by an increase in Golf Canada memberships and rounds played;

3. Due to the TBDGA's strong efforts, it was not forced to cancel or postpone any of its championships in light of COVID-19;

4. The TBDGA entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding with Golf Ontario and Golf Manitoba. This commitment to shared programs has supported and will continue to support young athletes hoping to pursue golf as a career (i.e., collegiately or professionally); and

5. The Golf in Schools initiative was continued by our Junior Development Coordinator. He and his team were able to briefly get off the ground again as kids were allowed back into their classrooms.

My appreciation goes out to everyone involved in making these achievements and others happen, including Golf Canada, Golf Ontario, Golf Manitoba, the TBDGA, the CPGA, course operators and their staff, and our players and volunteers who respected and adhered to the ever-changing pandemic rules and regulations. This cohesive effort allowed golf facilities in Northwestern Ontario to open with minimal delay while other sports and activities could not.

Looking ahead to the new golf season, the TBDGA is excited to unveil a new and updated online presence. This will allow us to engage with our members more effectively. Our Junior Development Coordinator, Chris Gardner, will also be working to strengthen established junior programs. Additionally, he will be reaching out to our member clubs to share resources and help them organize their own junior development programs and clinics.

Following two challenging years, I believe that golf will again be one of the main activities facilitating community growth and general well-being. My team and I look forward to seeing people of all ages and abilities get out and enjoy one our District's many beautiful golf facilities. See you on the course and have a great 2022 golf season!

Sincerely,
Andy Karanasos

President
Thunder Bay District Golf Association