What a wonderful tribute was held Friday night at the Gannon Municipal Golf Course for Mike Foster, who is stepping down as head professional after a stellar 39-year career in that esteemed position.
Gannon members, friends, former youth golf standout Chris Carter who became a head golf professional himself, sister Anne Foster, and son Ryan Foster all joined together in recognizing Mike for his outstanding service at a golf course that became a true Lynn treasure and a place where you always felt welcomed.
There was a beautifully orchestrated video tribute for Mike before speakers elaborated on the positive qualities that established Mike as a golf pro who was revered and admired by all who visited the course or became a member at Gannon.
Mike was visibly touched by the incredible amount of love and warmth in the very Gannon function room that he had helped build during his career.
We understand it was well-known Gannon women’s champion Tara Johnson Friedman who was the primary organizer of this retirement celebration for Mike and we say, great job, Tara, for putting together such a fond and fitting farewell for a man who did so much to advance the game of golf and create such a warm and hospitable environment at Gannon for so many years.
Mike Foster truly was a man ahead of his time whose vision that Gannon Municipal Golf Course could develop into one of the most picturesque and best golfing facilities on the North Shore came true – and we are all beneficiaries of his efforts.
Thank you, Mike Foster, for being a true golfing “professional” in every sense of the word.
We will miss you, Mike, and wish you the best of luck in your retirement years in sunny Florida.