Something missing for golf pro

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/09/2020 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Eric Hawerchuk bombed one down the pipe Wednesday morning to start his day on the Heathlands course at TPC Toronto and settled for par on the 515-yard, par-5 first hole — then came totally unglued.

Plenty of blunders were made on the front side en route to a 7-over 43, although the Canadian touring pro pulled himself together for a back nine of 1-over 36. Indeed, there was much to discuss with his No. 1 fan after the round was done.

But not this time.

“It’s a sad afternoon for me,” the eldest of the late Dale Hawerchuk’s three kids said Wednesday. “There’s a lot of emotion. Normally, my dad and I would go over my round together. He’d call me as soon as I’d finish because he’d be watching online, and we’d talk about it. It’s so weird. He’s not gonna make that call anymore.”

The former Jets 1.0 superstar centre and Hockey hall-of-famer waged a year-long fight against stomach cancer, completing treatment at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ont., in April. But the cancer returned within months and had spread, and he died on Aug. 18 at the age of 57, surrounded by loved ones at home.

Eric hasn’t played any meaningful golf since May, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic that restricted his travel to the U.S. and the dreadful news in July that his father’s cancer had returned.

He said the last two weeks have been a blur.

“I did not get to prepare the way I normally would. Just the emotional factors were difficult. I didn’t feel as prepared as I normally do when I play, which makes things a little shaky,” he said. “I stunk it up out there. Some rookie mistakes on the front and I really struggled with the putter. But it was a good learning day for me. We always say, ‘You’re only as good as your next round.’ So, I’ll try to be better next round (Thursday).”

Eric has been a regular on the Mackenzie Tour — PGA Tour Canada for the last few years. While the difficulties of cross-border travel forced the tour to cancel its 2020 season, a four-event min-tour was announced in mid-July, giving top-tier players from Canada a chance to compete again. 

Two events have already been staged in Victoria. Hawerchuk skipped those but is playing this week and next in two 54-hole tournaments at the Toronto-area track, just 45 minutes from his home.

Eric, a leftie just like his dad, said it was cathartic to play a competitive round again.

“Absolutely. It’s a nice distraction. At the same time, I miss him because golf was such a big part of our relationship. Some days are easier than others, but I know I’m not the only person to lose a father and a lot of people are going through loss right now. I’m just trying to be strong for him and my family,” he said.

Calls, emails and messages of condolence continue to pour in.

“I was definitely expecting some reaction but the support has been incredible. I’m very grateful. It’s a testament to the kind of man Dale was. He was a great father and obviously made quite an impression on a lot of people, and I’m pretty proud of him,” said Eric.

He recorded a video message speaking about the #HawerchukStrong cancer fundraising initiative on a JetsTV live special Thursday, aptly called ‘Remembering Ducky.’ It is scheduled for 12 p.m. on winnipegjets.com, YouTube and the Jets mobile app. Fans can also watch the show live on Twitter and Facebook, and the show will repeat at 7 p.m.

jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPJasonBell