Dust off those clubs and book some time to spend on the green because the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament is just around the corner.
With the City of Langford celebrating its 25th anniversary, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever said Mayor Stew Young. “We’re doing two courses this year and that’s never been done before.”
While the tournament sells out every year, Young noted they opted to use both the mountain and valley courses at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa because organizers didn’t want to turn anyone away on Langford’s big anniversary.
“It’s a community event and we want to make it the biggest one ever,” he explained. “We just want to celebrate, it’s a big milestone.”
But that’s not why the City and Young host the tournament every year. Having put on the tournament for 20-plus years, Young estimates they raised upwards of $600,000. “We’ve helped a lot of organizations and a lot of kids.”
The funds raised at the tournament go to a long list of local charities, non-profits and community groups including KidSport, Sport Assist, Keep Girls in Sports, Wounded Warriors, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91, Langford Volunteer Firefighters Association, 911 Care Society, RCMP Auxiliary, the Rotary Club of West Shore, local sports teams and more.
“We want to raise as much money as we can, it’s going to be a fun tournament,” Young said. “It’ll be good, you’ll be able to rub shoulders with some Olympic athletes.”
Local sports teams will also be represented with players at some of the holes.
With more prizes up for grabs for all skill levels, Young noted this tournament is for everyone and not just avid golfers – although, the courses won’t disappoint experienced players.
He also promised Mother Nature wouldn’t put a damper on festivities. “It’s always good weather, it never rains,” he joked.
This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 30. Check-in opens at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start kicking off the fun at 1 p.m. After 18 holes, the event will finish with a banquet dinner including awards presentation.
If you’re not a golfer but would still like to participate, you can join in the fun for dinner with tickets available for just that portion of the event.
While Young noted they’ve already received a lot of support from the local community, there is also still room for sponsors or businesses looking to donate prizes.
There are only 100 spots left and the deadline to register is July 13. You can register online at civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2018/Langford-Charity-Golf or download the form at langford.ca.
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