The Bushmen of Sturgeon Point
This is a true story about two men who saved a defenceless bush from potential demise. Everyone needs an advocate these days when facing surgery or other treatments. A bush is no different.
A happy ending.
An overground cedar bush has survived possible extermination today because of the work of two local bushmen. In fact, there is talk that over a dozen more will survive for many years to come thanks to these two tree-huggers.
Some background.
Years ago, generous gift from a member of the Sturgeon Point Golf and Country Club resulted in the planting of globe cedar bushes as 150 yard markers on all par 4 and par 5 golf holes.
Today, after plenty of sunshine, CO2 for photosynthesis and much rainfall, some of these bushes have grown to an unacceptable size. Legends are told over a cold beer about how these bushes swallowed up a wayward golf ball. This is not exactly a problem of the scale of the Devil’s Triangle, but it has been a source of sadness for any golfer who lost a favourite ball.
Bushmen to the rescue.
Bushman Gene heard that the largest ball-swallowing bush was being discussed for elimination and potential replacement. Like any good bushman worthy of the name, he obtained approval from the Greens Committee to perform cosmetic surgery on the overgrown bush. He had in mind a bonsai treatment that he had seen elsewhere.
With a small tree saw and his trusty Fiskars branch lopper, Bushman Gene set to work in his best “surgical” attire. Three hours later - VOILA!
You can see the outcome above. This image was captured minutes after the work was done. The finishing work came later and was performed by none other than our popular Bushman Wayne skillfully handling his Stihl tree-trimming chain saw. Leonardo da Vinci had nothing on Bushman Wayne when it comes to an artistic eye. The final effect is nothing short of breath-taking.
It’s time to golf
If this story makes your heart flutter and inspires you to see this shrine to cedar bushes everywhere, I suggest that you make a pilgrimage to the Sturgeon Point Golf & Country Club in the beautiful Kawartha Lakes region.
Tee off on the first hole, play the well-groomed fairways and expertly-tended greens, and don’t forget to admire the art work of the Bushmen of Sturgeon Point on the nine hole exactly 150 yards from the centre of the green.
Bring friends and celebrate 125 years of golf.
Enjoy a cold beverage, a delicious burger and fries. Soak in the ambiance of the log-cabin clubhouse that was built in another era. Sense the spirit of thousands of golfers to came before you to play the game and admire the lakeside view. A large sunny deck awaits you for this unique golf experience at this club that is celebrating its 125th anniversary.