Haider Cup 2018 Recap
By Kamil Roowala
Year: 2018
Host City: Toronto
Winner: Team Canada
Day 1:
Going into Day 1, everyone knew Eagles Nest was going to be a tough test with elevation changes, spiraling winds, and fescue lined fairways. As the pressure and jitters mounted, eventually the shotgun start was underway, and another great Haider Cup upon us. Tight matches and sprayed drives contributed to a slower than usual pace. As the matches made there way around the course, one by one, the point tallying started. Day 1 proved a relatively even battle, with Canada taking a slim 8-7 advantage.
Day 2:
No doubt, Day 2 is what everyone was looking forward to with an opportunity to test their skills at the PGA Tour Venue, Glen Abbey. With perfect weather and pristine course conditions, Glen Abbey lived up to the hype, especially the coveted back 9 down in the valley. Once again, pace was a concern, with match after match making their way down the famed Par 5 18th hole. After day 2, Canada was able to extend their lead with a score of 8.5-6.5, Canada was now up 16.5 to team USA’s 13.5.
Of course, the Saturday evening Charity Event, is what Haider Cup is truly about. A special thank you to Mohammed Walji for graciously hosting us for an amazing dinner and fundraiser. This year, Haider Cup teamed up with an organization called Refugee Support, whose mission is to “Improve the livelihoods and outcomes for refugees by prioritizing dignity and co-operation.” We were thrilled to have Paul Hutchings, CEO of Refugee Support, join us. Paul shared information about Refugee Support, their goals, and first hand accounts of the state of many Refugee Camps across Europe.
Alhamdullilah, we were able to raise $14,000 for Refugee Support, which will be primarily used for their new Empowerment Fund, where people staying at the refugee camps can submit a proposal for support in an activity they want to pursue. Through the Empowerment Fund, individuals with viable proposals will received funding of €200- €1,000 plus all the legal and coaching support they need for that business idea to thrive.
The true spirit of Haider Cup lives on through these great initiatives, and we are truly blessed to be able to play a small role in helping.
Day 3:
And just like that, the final day was upon us. Copper Creek was the perfect picturesque venue to finish off another eventful Haider Cup. While team Canada had a 3 point lead, 30 points were up for grabs, and it was truly anyone’s game. While the matches were close, the majority eventually flipped in favor of Team Canada. It quickly became evident that this was not Team USA’s year to win the cup on Canadian soil. In the end, Team Canada out-played Team USA on Toronto’s home course, taking Day 3 by a sizable margin of 15 points.
While team USA put up a valiant effort, it turned into a lopsided affair, with Team Canada winning back the cup by a final score of 39 to 21. Congrats to Team Canada on a well deserved win.
A special thank you to Paul from Refugee Support for sharing his work with us, and giving us an opportunity to participate towards their great cause. If you would like to learn more about their work or how you can get involved, please visit their website.
Looking forward to another great Haider Cup in 2019.
