Valley golfers will have a chance to drive, chip and putt for a good cause on Sunday, September 22nd.
The Giving Back Golf Tournament at the Windermere Valley Golf Course is entering its fifth year, with the youth centre at the Windermere Community Association hall being this year’s beneficiary.
“Every year, they’ve chosen to support a not-for-profit capital project,” explained tournament co-chair and master of ceremonies Dean Midyette, who is also an advertising sales representative for The Valley Echo. “It’s going to support a great local charity, and the Wilfleys (course owners) have always believed in strong community involvement. As the name of the tournament implies, this is their way of giving towards a great project.”
Monies raised through green fees and a few silent auction items — rumoured to include an autographed Bobby Orr jersey — are hoped to approach $10,000, to be put towards costs for the hall.
“We got the matching grant and a couple other grants, but we’ve run into a few more problems, such as the attic not being insulated,” said Gracie Boake of the Windermere Community Association, which is now applying for more grants to make the building handicapped-accessible. “The money from this tournament will help finish that work.”
A flood in the building’s basement several years ago required the building to be gutted down to the wall studs, setting the stage for renovations. It was a flood earlier this summer that caused the tournament to be rescheduled from it’s original date of June 23rd. The heavy rains didn’t affect the course itself, but flooded Calgary and cut off the Trans-Canada Highway, greatly impacting the expected turnout.
The tournament this September will follow the same format as previously planned: the competition is a four-person scramble, in which every player on a four-person team hits a shot, then the team plays from the best of those four drives. It’s a format that works even for infrequent golfers, noted Mr. Midyette.
As a bonus to this year’s tournament, teams will have the chance to redo up to three swings after choking on a shot.
“Teams will be able to buy three mulligan balloons for $20,” said Mr. Midyette. “Golfers will be able to look across the golf course, and know when people are taking their extra shot as the balloons go up.”
Challenges within the 18-hole course, such as chipping and putting contests, and hole-in-one prizes on six of the holes, will add to the fun. There will also be plenty of food and drink.
“We want people to know we’ve got on-course appetizers, free beer from Arrowhead Brewing, and a massage therapist giving free back rubs along the course,” he said.
The entry fee is $90 per person, and players can enter as a team or as individuals, who will be grouped into teams. The entry includes a 6 p.m. golf dinner and prizes. To take part, phone the Windermere Valley Golf Course pro shop at 250-342-3004.
“I’d love to see a lot of people come out and support the Windermere youth centre,” added Ms. Boake.