WHITE BEAR LAKE - Local resident Earl Silcox and his family have lived at White Bear Lake for decades.
Now 86 years old, he enjoys excellent health and has been a fixture at the White Bear Lake Golf Course since it opened back in the late 1980s.
For years, he, wife Doreen, daughter Kelly and son Kirby would tee off every Saturday and Sunday at 6:15 a.m. It then changed to 7:15 a.m. and now his regular family tee time is 7:40 a.m.
Kirby passed away in 2017 and his weekend foursome also includes longtime friend Clarence Gelowitz.
Silcox started golfing late in life. He purchased his first set of golf clubs from Lonnie’s Golf Shop in Regina and played his first golf game in Maple Creek in 1987. He was a great golfer back in his day, at one time sporting an 11 handicap. He now plays from the forward tees and has shot his age or lower on many occasions.
During his lifetime, Silcox has had four holes-in-one, three of them at White Bear and one in Arizona. He aced hole No. 2 in 2002, hole No. 8 in 2010, and hole No. 16 in 2020. He has eagled every hole at White Bear except for the par-3 11th. His favourite hole is the par-5 17th.
Silcox golfs five or six times a week with Doreen, and Kelly drives down from Regina to join him every weekend. During the week, he plays with Gelowitz and anyone else who needs a partner. He was one of the first to own an electric golf cart at White Bear and now owns two.
Silcox golfs the Bear from May to October and then travels and golfs in Arizona for three months every winter.
Until recently, Silcox had for years assisted in running the weekly Wednesday men’s nights. He has enjoyed knowing all the clubhouse managers and staff but did want to highlight golf course superintendent Larry Palmer.
“Larry is the blood and soul of the White Bear Lake Golf Course,” said Silcox. “He is truly an icon and does not get the credit he deserves. White Bear is in immaculate condition and our family is honoured to be long-time members of this fabulous golf course. Thank-you Larry, for all that you do.”
Silcox just simply loves the game of golf.
“I like the fresh air, the personal challenge, and developing lifelong friendships along the way. And I can’t forget the regular opportunity of learning the many variances of the English language. Health permitting, I am looking forward to many more years of striking the ball and enjoying the great game of golf.”
