Brock Alumni GolfersThe Niagara region is a world-famous tourist destination for families, wine lovers and history buffs.

The Niagara region is a world-famous tourist destination for families, wine lovers and history buffs.

One industry, however, has remained a hidden treasure – golf. This fall, Brock University Alumni will swing away at Beechwood Golf and Country Club, a course that encompasses many of these exciting opportunities.

Beechwood has been recognized by ScoreGolf as “one of the best public access facilities in the Niagara area” and consists of 72 holes of rolling fairways, tricky greens and strategically-placed water hazards meant to keep you on your toes and earn your score. But there is also a history to Beechwood that even the most experienced golfer may not know about, and is especially interesting to Brock grads.

The golf course at Beechwood was once the site of a different type of aiming and shooting – the Battle of Beaverdams (called “The Battle at the Beech Woods” by American historians). On June 24, 1813, British forces surprised the invading American troops after being informed by Laura Secord of a secret invasion. After hearing American soldiers discussing battle plans, Secord made her famous 32-kilometre trek from Queenston to DeCew House, located just south of Brock University property, to warn the British.

The fierce battle took place over three hours, covering a swath of land from Beechwood to the modern-day Welland Canal. When the smoke cleared, British forces had taken approximately 500 American prisoners and a decisive victory.  After the war, Beechwood was worked as farmland for over a century and still displays much of the equipment and buildings that were used by generations of Niagara farmers.

Brock grads will have the opportunity to walk these storied lands at the Brock University Alumni Association’s annual golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 20, just over 200 years after the fateful battle. Golfers can choose to play nine holes ($100) or 18 holes ($125) and will receive a registration gift, golf cart, BBQ lunch with complimentary beverage, prime rib dinner and many prizes, including $10,000 for a hole-in-one. Registrants will also receive free admission to the Homecoming Alumni Pub Night happening that evening at Mansion House in downtown St. Catharines along with one complimentary beverage.

Proceeds from the tournament go toward BUAA initiatives that support Brock Alumni and current students. Register now to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!