The Skins at Summerlea

One of the major events of the 75^th Anniversary year was the Skins Game. A damp, foggy morning greeted guests and spectators as they arrived at Summerlea on Friday, June 28, 1996 for the much-anticipated Skins Pro-Am.  Four PGA stars – Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo and Nick Price were playing in this event, hosted at Summerlea to help celebrate the anniversary year.  As the weather turned hot and sunny, 30 teams participated.  Much enjoyed by the players and the gallery, the four talented pros put on a great show while providing playing tips and encouragement to their amateur partners.  The team captained by Duke Doucet won the low gross.

The weather began to deteriorate on Saturday while the first nine Skins were played.  This did not deter the gallery; large numbers followed on each hole. This is always a more relaxed, fun format for the players and the spectators.  At the end of the first day, Freddie Couples, always a great Skins player, was leading with $45,000.

Sunday, June 30 was a truly miserable day, with drizzle turning into heavy rain. Despite the terrible weather, large numbers of faithful golf fans were present to see the final nine holes of the Skins, played on the back nine of the Dorion course.

Couples provided some exciting moments.  His drive on #10 landed behind a tree but fortunately for him the position of a TV tower provided him with a free drop, enabling him to go on to win the hole.  There was another great Couples moment when he sank a long putt on # 14 for an eagle.

At the end of regulation play, the game was tied, between Couples and Nick Faldo, forcing a play-off.  This went for four holes and was finally won by Fred Couples who became the 1996 Export “A” Skins champion.  He was presented with a cheque for $165,000 and the Northern Lights Trophy.  The sponsors called this event at Summerlea “the best Skins Game ever.”

Of great interest to the TV audience was the “Breakfast Club”.  In front of the fireplace in the clubhouse each morning, Jim Nelford hosted breakfast and conversation with the four pros.  They talked about their jobs, about breaking into professional golf and their lifestyles as pros.  A relaxed and interesting beginning to the day.

Marion Dunn