Unemployed, but Golfing To A Guinness World Record

Jonathan and Cathie of Toronto have two months and about 30 courses to go. But even if they fall short ---although time is on their side--- they will have raised some substantial funds for charity.

By DAN McCAFFERY
The Observer, Sarnia, Ontario

It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.

In this case, that 'somebody' actually involves two people from Toronto with a strong Sarnia connection.

Jonathan and Cathie Weaver are a pair of avid golfers trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records by playing more courses in one 12-month period than anyone has done since people first took up clubs at Brunsfield Links in Edinburgh, Scotland back in the year 1456.

Along the way they also hope to raise half a million dollars for charity.

Cathie, who as a kid spent her summers at her family's Sarnia cottage on Lake Huron, said the couple began their quest last April when they teed off in Kamloops, British Columbia.

"I've loving it, it's just wonderful," the daughter of Jack and Jane Carruthers said Tuesday, speaking to The Observer by cell phone between swings at a golf course in Plant City, Florida.

Cathie, whose family has Sarnia roots that go back more than a century, said she has fond memories of swimming and sailing in Lake Huron, as well as of playing at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. Although the couple lives in Toronto, they still get back to her parents Lakeshore Road cottage from time to time.

"I loved it (in Sarnia)," the 47-year-old said of her childhood. "I was like a fish on the beach."

The pair decided to set out on their golf odyssey after Cathie was laid off from her job. Jonathan took a year off from his work and they hit the links.

But they wanted to do more than just have fun. One of Jonathan's boyhood pals had lost a son to leukemia and the Weavers, who have no children, decided to make their tour a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House.

So far, they've raised $350,000, thanks to donations from golf courses, contributions from players who join them on the links and help from Karbon Golf, Warrior Custom Golf and the assistance of Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs of Canada.

To break the record, they'll have to play 384 courses. So far, they've hit 351.

Jonathan expects they'll surpass that milestone by the end of this month. And if all goes well, they should hit the 450 mark by the time they're finished at the end of March.

The Weavers, who are travelling across the continent in a 36-foot RV, are hitting almost nine golf courses a week.

When it's all over, they'll have gone from coast to coast in Canada, as well as deep into the American south.

When asked if the tour can be a bit of a grind at times, even for people who love the game, Jonathan says, "Hang on a second, I've got to do a tee shot and I'll be right with you."