The first tournament was held in 1987. Michael Abrams was living in Dallas and visiting the Toronto area. Michael, Les Ross, Grant English and Garry MacNicholas played at Streetsville Glen golf course.
The next year Les, Kathleen’s brother Sean and father Clifford visited Michael in Massachusetts, where he had moved, and played again — this time with a trophy involved. Michael decided it needed to be an annual event, so he purchased the trophy, put Les’s name on it (he won in 1987) and "The International Invitational Clifford O'Neill Golf Tournament" was officially born.
This year marks the 40th event. Originally a stroke-play men-only tournament, it evolved in 1994 (thanks to lobbying by Colleen Liddle and Jan Demoe) into a Captains Choice / Best Ball scramble open to everyone. Today we have four generations represented and have played in 16 different locations across Canada and the USA.
Covid challenged us, but we still managed two virtual tournaments with players in multiple cities and provinces, finishing with Zoom prize presentations. The tradition thrives because of the generous hosts who have opened their homes and hearts over the years. From humble beginnings with 4 golfers, we’ve grown to 50–75 people many years — and the after-party is legendary.
Affectionately known as “The Tourney” or simply “The Clifford” — we’re so happy you’re here to keep the tradition going.
This entire site runs on a humble Raspberry Pi tucked away in John's basement.
Send John ideas or suggestions to make this site even better! ⛳💾