I’ve had lots of response to the 59 shot by London amateur Nicholas Wheeler at Forest City National, as reported by London Free Press reporter John Herbert. Other than a little mix up in addition, I think Herbert is a fine reporter — and believe he thoroughly checked out this story.
Anyway, Nicholas’ father, Scott Wheeler, the superintendent at Forest City, took the time to write me and clarify that indeed, his son’s 59 was legitimate. Though remarkable, stranger things have happened. Scott’s letter is included below. He clarifies that his son has regularly shot in the 60s, which makes far more sense. Hard to imagine a 4 handicap getting a golf scholarship to play in the U.S., let alone shooting 13-under-par.
Mr.Thompson,
Regarding your comments on Nicholas I think maybe you should have picked up the phone and spoke with Forest City National club professional Gil Parkinson.
Herbert’s article did indicate he was playing with the club pro. Anyway Mr.Herbert’s piece indicated that he has never shot in the 60’s which is incorrect. Nicholas has shot scores in the 60’s many times. In fact a 67 and a 69 in the 2002 Ontario Junior the year he was on the Ontario Junior team with Richard Scott, Craig Revell and Ricky
Allen. Herbert indicated he had 13 birdies and 6 six pars which should have read 13 birdies,five pars. I noticed as Weeks did that he also failed to include Duval and Beck.
Picking on Herbert however is really unfair as he does a great job promoting the game of golf in London and supporting our young talent including Andrew Parr. Nicholas has had a tough time with his game at times even considering giving up but has battled
back and is starting to finally mature as a player. I think the invititation that he received in the mail recently from the National in Woodbridge to play in their men’s invitation is a reasonable indication of his ability to play the game. I agree that Tim Clark’s 62 is obviously quite different and if you had taken the opportunity to speak with Nicholas personally your comments on your website would be also be quite different.
Scott Wheeler, CGCS
Forest City National GC
