Just over a week ago (Aug. 17 – 19) the Gerry, Chris, and Friends Invitational blind golf tournament was hosted by Meadow Lake Golf Club.
Gerry Nelson, along with coach and caddy Chris Villenueve invited 20 of their blind golfing friends to their community for the event. With countless hours of help from Chris’ now retired brother Terrance and his wife Terry the group pulled off an amazing event that Nelson claims will stand out for the rest of his life.
“I don’t think there has been better days than I have experience,” he told Golf Saskatchewan.
Nelson is a six-time Canadian champion and two-time top five world finisher in blind golf events. He has travelled the world playing with Chris’ assistance and the two admit they are best of friends. After the 2025 provincial championships, Terry suggested to Chris that Meadow Lake host an event for the players. Terrance, who owned the Northern Pride Newspaper, but is now retired jumped on board and according to Nelson, it was a dream come true.
“I always knew because Woody (Daryl Wood, superintendent) and Brent (Assman, proshop manager) and the whole community treat us so well, we are very lucky to have what we have,” Nelson added. “The way the community came out, and the way the golfers came out it just blew me away the way we are looked upon in the blind golf community.”
Nelson was unfortunately unable to play both days due to a rib injury he suffered at the Western Canadian Championships in Alberta earlier this year. He was very proud of the field and their accomplishments in years past.
“Every single golfer, except for one because she is brand new, every single golfer has won a tournament across Canada or the world. The coolest thing is they came from the east coast to the west coast and once they got themselves to Meadow Lake, it didn’t cost them a dime out of their pocket,” Nelson said.
With Terrance’s experience in the media industry in Meadow Lake his business connection is extensive, he immediately began seeking the community’s help in fundraising alongside Terry. For the golfers if they could get to Saskatoon or Meadow Lake, volunteers, the club, and community took care of the rest.
“We got volunteers to shuttle them to and from Meadow Lake from Saskatoon, we covered their rooms, their meals, and we even gave them some lunch money,” Villeneuve joked.
“It’s been a week and we are still getting replies from the golfers saying how much they enjoyed it,” he added. “We are hearing from community members how much they enjoyed having the blind golfers, it exceeded all expectations.”
The duo was supposed to be in Moncton, New Brunswick for an event but Nelson has decided to completely heal his ribs and prepare for next season playing fall golf at home.
Nelson has called Meadow Lake home since 2021. Villeneuve grew up in the city. Being a teammate of Nelson and being able to experience events across the globe with him are motivational, but bringing this event to his hometown will be three days he won’t forget either.
“It’s a passion for us; Gerry has always been an inspiration but to see 20 other players and coaches and get inspired by a group, going to these tournaments for me is rewarding. It makes me a better person when I come home to my family and just my life in general,” he concluded.
