Golf is thriving during the pandemic.
It only stood to reason then the Rotary Clubs of Ladysmith and Chemainus would have a prosperous charity golf tournament this year.
That’s exactly what happened with 121 players participating in the event Sept. 25 at the Mount Brenton Golf Course, about 40 more than usual.
Joan Phillips (Ladysmith) and Tom Andrews (Chemainus) were the co-chairs of the organizing committee for the joint Rotary golf tournament annual fundraiser. Proceeds are used to support local youth and charitable organizations like Neighbourhood House and Harvest House as well as projects like the new Rotary picnic shelter at Kin Beach, Andrews pointed out.
This was the 11th year of the tournament that has now raised more than $170,000 thanks to sponsors, donors, volunteers and the golfers and staff at Mount Brenton.
This year’s proceeds amounted to nearly $21,000.
“I think people wanted to get out and make donations and contribute,” said Andrews. “It was a big success.”
The 10th annual tournament last year was cancelled due to COVID and turned out to be a sponsor recognition day. This year’s tournament was permitted under COVID protocols, but meant not using the traditional shot gun start.
“We couldn’t do that,” noted Andrews. “We’d have too big a crowd gathering which was against COVID rules.”
Instead, a running start was held from 8:15 a.m. to 12:42 p.m. and that worked out well on a spectacular day. Chipping and putting contests added to the festivities as well as a fun contest to guess the number of balls lost on the course that day, at least as far as players confessed when submitting scorecards.
Ed Mulrooney’s team placed first, the Mark Staples No. 2 team second and third went to the Steve Higgs team. The ladies’ closest to the pin was won by Marianne Sanders and Robert Spencer earned the men’s honours while Doug Doherty received a prize for closest drive to the wiggly line set up on No. 1 fairway.
Jim Nicholson prevailed in the chipping contest and Corey Jansen took the putting contest. The best lost balls guesser was Brian Childs.
A silent auction ongoing throughout the day was well-received, with a vast array of donated articles purchased by the golfers. A luncheon was provided for all golfers as they arrived back at the clubhouse.
