08/30/2026
⛳ A SPECIAL WEEK IN MEADOW LAKE ⛳
Just over a week ago, Meadow Lake Golf Club welcomed 20 blind golfers and their coaches from across Canada for the Gerry, Chris & Friends Invitational, held August 17–19.
What started as an idea to bring friends together became something much bigger — a celebration of blind golf, friendship, community and generosity.
Longtime blind golfer Gerry Nelson, together with his coach and caddy Chris Villeneuve, invited players from across the country to Meadow Lake. With tremendous support from Chris’ brother Terrance Villeneuve, his wife Terry, the golf club, volunteers, sponsors and the entire Meadow Lake community, the event became one Gerry says he will never forget.
Gerry told Golf Saskatchewan:
“I don’t think there has been better days than I have experienced.”
A six-time Canadian champion and two-time top-five world finisher, Gerry has travelled the world competing in blind golf with Chris by his side. But bringing so many accomplished golfers together in Meadow Lake was especially meaningful.
The field included players from the East Coast to the West Coast, with nearly every golfer having previously won a tournament somewhere in Canada or internationally.
What made the event even more remarkable was the generosity shown to the participants. Once golfers reached Saskatoon or Meadow Lake, the community helped take care of virtually everything — including transportation, accommodations and meals.
Chris summed it up perfectly:
“It exceeded all expectations.”
Even a week later, golfers were still reaching out to say how much they enjoyed the experience, while members of the Meadow Lake community were sharing how much they enjoyed welcoming the blind golf community.
Unfortunately, Gerry was unable to compete both days while recovering from a rib injury, but that didn’t take away from what the week meant to him.
For Chris, hosting the tournament in his hometown was equally special.
“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… it makes me a better person when I come home to my family and just my life in general.”
👏 WCBGA would like to congratulate Gerry, Chris, Terrance, Terry, Meadow Lake Golf Club, the volunteers, sponsors and the entire Meadow Lake community for putting together such an incredible event.
This is what blind golf is all about — competition, friendship, inclusion and people coming together to support one another.
💙⛳ Thank you, Meadow Lake, for giving our blind golf community a week they won’t soon forget.
