A New Chapter at Pinegrove: Old Boys & Friends’ Golf Tournament

The 27th Annual Old Boys & Friends’ Golf Tournament took place on Monday, May 26 and brought together more than 120 golfers for what turned out to be a very memorable day. After weeks of steady rain, the skies finally cleared, giving way to a picture-perfect day that set the tone for the rest of the event.

This year marked the tournament’s debut at Pinegrove Country Club, and the response couldn’t have been more positive. The stunning course, relaxed atmosphere, and thoughtful touches throughout the day made it one to remember. We are especially grateful to the 11:11 Foundation, who returned as Title Sponsor and helped make this new chapter possible. Their continued support has played a key role in elevating the tournament experience and deepening its impact.

From the first tee to the final toast, it was a reminder of why this event continues to be a favourite in the Selwyn calendar and why it keeps getting better every year.

The day began with opening remarks from Headmaster Michael Downey, who welcomed golfers at the first tee before joining Golf Committee Chair Eric-James (EJ) Boffey ’12 and William Daly ’52, founder of the Old Boys & Friends’ Golf Tournament, for the ceremonial tee-off. It was a gesture that honoured the tradition and history behind this much-loved event.

Throughout the day, golfers enjoyed multiple food stations with a variety of delicious options, as well as a thoughtfully curated welcome package that included a PsychoBunny hat, generously provided by current parent Kenneth Minzberg. Grade 10 students Ethan P. and Ethan W. also joined the action on the course, serving as our student pros for this year’s Beat the Pros contest and adding a fun, interactive challenge that was a hit with players. An exciting online auction ran alongside the tournament once again this year, offering up some outstanding prizes and another opportunity to support the cause.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors, and players, a total of $70,000 was raised in support of the Old Boys’ Endowment Fund, the Old Boys’ Trip Fund, and the Old Boys’ Speaker Series Fund. These initiatives directly enrich the Selwyn House experience and create meaningful opportunities for students.

Several awards were presented during the cocktail hour, where tournament highlights were celebrated and longtime rivalries renewed in good fun. Charles Culver ’18 was named Old Boy MVP, and his foursome, including Luke Avedesian ’18, Hans Dres ’19, and Kieran Hamilton ’18, edged out the competition to take home top honours with the day’s lowest team score. Sandy Naami was awarded Guest MVP, making history as the first woman ever to earn the title and drawing enthusiastic applause from across the room.

One of the most exciting moments of the day came during the draw for two tickets to the 2025 Masters Tournament, an extraordinary prize experience generously donated by the Culver Family. Each golfer was automatically entered for a chance to win, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. Ben Spencer ’00 was this year’s lucky winner, and his reaction said it all: a mix of shock, joy, and deep gratitude for a lifelong dream come true.

This tournament would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, prize donors, and volunteers. Among them, the Naami Group went above and beyond once again, supporting the tournament as both Golf Cart Sponsor and Beer Sponsor. To the many others who contributed in ways big and small, thank you.

A full list of supporters can be found in the 2024–25 Donor Report.

Sincere thanks as well to the 2025 Golf Committee, whose time, effort, and dedication made this year’s event such a success:

EJ Boffey ’12 (Chair), Alexandre Ferland ’11, Daniel Knight ’10, Justin Kuzmicki ’05, Sean McKinnon ’98, Danny Naami ’99, Thomas Price ’16, Philippe-Olivier Vennat ’10, Brad White ’94, Josh Wisenthal ’99, and SHS staff Kim Auclair, Sharon Cozens, Mélissa Gagné, Stefania Montuoro, and Sounithtra Vongsaphay.

We are also grateful to JP Trudeau, Elizabeth Davis, and Olivier Seguin-Leduc from the Selwyn House Communications Team for the care and attention they brought to capturing the moments that made the day so special.

At the cocktail hour, we were delighted to welcome back former staff members Kathy Funamoto, Carol Manning, and Minna Shulman, who greeted guests with warmth and genuine joy as many Old Boys stopped by to reconnect before dinner.

As we reflect on a day filled with laughter, connection, and shared purpose, we’re reminded that our strength as a community lies not only in our traditions but in our ongoing commitment to building something lasting together.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Pinegrove next year.

See all photos from the event here.

11:11 Charity Foundation

Allô Mon Coco

Berthelet Family

Boucherie Chartier

Bulletproof Logistics

Calo Real Estate Development

Dash Construction

Dialogue
Motto

Pembroke Private Wealth Management

Psycho Bunny

Shadley Knerr, s.e.n.c.r.l.

Sammy Hammouda ‘05

Sodexo

Westcourt Capital

Wisenthal Family

 

William Daly ‘52

Data Resolutions

Groupe Astoria

MFE Sports

Plomberie Parenti

Serruriers Vachon-Bouffard Inc.

Ben Spencer ‘00

Top Marks

Tim Zyto ‘82

 

Mike Avedesian ’88
Louise St-Jacques and Douglas Boffey

Cabot Citrus Farms

Ali Chattoo '12

Charton Hobbs

Château Montebello

Clarins

Culver Family

Dickson Golf

Headmaster Mike Downey

Estiatorio Milos

Fairmont Château Frontenac

Alan Forster '71

Montreal Alliance

Naami Group - Sotheby's International Realty

Charles Paiement '04

Jacob Peterson '08 / St. George's Golf and Country Club

Pinegrove Golf Course

Psycho Bunny

James Robinson

Rudsak

Selwyn House School