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Opening ceremonies, free golfing

The Bowen Island Golf Club officially opened its new clubhouse on Saturday, May 5, with over a 150 islanders coming out for an opening ceremony, with bagpipes and dignitaries, a free day of golf and a surprising announcement.

The Bowen Island Golf Club officially opened its new clubhouse on Saturday, May 5, with over a 150 islanders coming out for an opening ceremony, with bagpipes and dignitaries, a free day of golf and a surprising announcement.

Bruce Russell, president and director of BIGC, emceed and spoke to the crowd of club members, golf enthusiasts and friends of the golf club about, among other things, how so many had contributed to the building of the clubhouse and success of the golf club.

Along with Russell, others to speak included Alan Mills of the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Jack Adelaar, MLA Joan McIntyre and MP John Weston; Weston spoke with great humor of Russell's prodigious energies and lengthy emails on behalf of the golf club and community.

When it came for general manager Spencer Grundy to talk, he had a surprise for everyone, including Russell and other club directors. Grundy announced that he received an email informing him the new clubhouse had just been named the 'Greatest Renovation under 10,000 sq. ft.' at the Modular Building Institute of North America's 2012 Awards of Distinction being held in Florida.

The 960 square foot building was formerly a classroom and then a longshoreman's lunch room at the Port of Vancouver. The clubhouse was renovated with private funds to fit the needs of the golf course and has a licensed lounge, commercial kitchen, bar and a covered deck.

As part of the ceremonies, Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon of the B.I. United Church blessed the new building and course. Among upcoming events, the Community Challenge goes on May 19 and the Dave Jennings Memorial Golf Tournament is May 26.