There’s no better excuse to golf than when it’s supporting a good cause — and The Valley Echo’s Giving Back Golf Tournament at the Windermere Valley Golf Course will give golfers the chance to do exactly that.
Funds raised from the 2013 Giving Back, which the Wilfley family will be hosting again this June, will benefit the Windermere Community Association, as the organization is planning to upgrade its community centre to create a space for the local youth group.
“We’ve made this more of an event than just a golf tournament,” said co-organizer 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.”
A gambling hole will give golfers the chance to win certificates to the pro shop, and other prizes will be granted to the winners of a putting and chipping contest.
There are also prizes to be won on the course for contests such as holes won, closest to the pin, and longest drives.
Participants will enjoy appetizers on the course while they’re playing, served by Copper Point Resort’s Elements Grill as well as appies from the Hoodoo Grill and Lounge in Fairmont Hot Springs.
Arrowhead Brewing will be offering samples of their brews, and a massage therapist from High Altitude Therapy will be giving free backrubs.
“We certainly encourage people who don’t golf regularly to come and enjoy the tournament,” Midyette said. “It’s a four-person scramble, which means that each person is only required to hit three tee shots during the tournament, so don’t feel like you have to be a fantastic player in order to come out — it’s more about enjoying the day and raising money for a great cause.”
As a bonus to this year’s tournament, participants will have the chance to redo up to three swings after choking on a shot.
“Teams will be able to buy three mulligans for $20. Golfers will be able to look across the golf course, and know when people are taking their extra shot as the balloons go up,” Midyette said.
On Sunday, June 23rd, a shotgun start will kick off the 2013 Giving Back Tournament at 1 p.m. A banquet to follow is scheduled for 6 p.m. with awards after dinner.
“Will there be a grand prize for the best team?” Midyette asked. “Show up and find out.”
The tournament is limited to 30 teams, so register early. Cost is $90 per person and $360 per team, and the event is open to anybody.
“You get a lot of fun events throughout the day of golf,” co-organizer Gracie Boake told The Valley Echo. “And there’s a delicious dinner.”
The fundraising committee is aiming to raise $10,000 to $15,000 for the Windermere Community Association. Book a spot in the 2013 Giving Back Tournament by phoning the Windermere Valley Golf Course pro shop at 250-342-3004.