The Annual Barriere 911 Emergency Services Golf Tournament has once again proven to be a leading fundraiser for youth initiatives within the area.
The organizing committee, made up of; RCMP Cpl. Darin Underhill and Cst. Dana Napier, Barriere Fire Chief Al Kirkwood, Barriere Search and Rescue rep Ashley Wohlgemuth, BC Ambulance Deb Young and Jason Platteel, report the tournament went as planned on Aug. 16, with a shotgun start.
Nineteen teams made up of competitors from Clearwater, Barriere, Kamloops and the Lower Mainland filled the tournament, and it is expected to fill even quicker in 2015.
“The weather cooperated with a gorgeous day in the high twenties, a light breeze and a couple of rain sprinkles. The course was in fantastic shape for the golfers with lush fairways and quick greens,” reported Underhill, “There was some great golf played with amazing shots, and some fun golf with interesting shots!
“We had a winning team that ended up 5 under par with a 31 taking home the coveted trophy….for the second year in a row! The highest scoring team was at 41, 5 over par and won the not so coveted pain relieving prizes.”
The ladies and mens long drive and closest to the pin prizes were won with some excellent shots made. It was also noted that the ladies long drive was further than just about all the other golfers were hitting it, an awesome tee shot!
The hole in one was close with a shot right on line, then started to spin coming to a stop, unfortunately leaving it about six feet short of the hole.
The putting competition was a very entertaining and difficult five hole course with the winner completing it in nine shots.
The evening ended with a fantastic meal put on by the Chinook Cove Golf Course and ward presentations made.
Each team was called with the lowest scoring team first to receive their trophy. As each team was called they drew a number from the bucket and received the corresponding prize on the table. This gave all competitors a fair chance at all prizes. Everyone went home with a prize that was at minimum a $45 value, up to a $130 value. There were also a number of great door prizes that were handed out and a table of silent auction items.
“Everyone that attended had a great time with a beautiful day, great course, lots of laughs and some goodies to take home,” said Underhill, “At the end of the day the tournament raised around $9,000.
“Our committee will look at our youth initiatives in the area and make a decision as to where the money will go. We will be donating $500 for a bursary to the family of Bonnie Cruzelle-Myram to be presented to a graduating student from the Barriere Secondary School in 2015. The selection of the student receiving the memorial bursary will be done by the family or their delegate.”
Underhill also advises that the committee will be accepting donation request applications for area youth initiatives from all groups, organizations or individuals up to Oct. 10, 2014. You can pick up a form at the Barriere RCMP Detachment with the funds being allocated by Oct. 17, 2014 for the selected youth initiative.
“We want to send out a huge thank you to all of our sponsors who understand that without their support this would never have been the amazing success it turned out to be,” stated Underhill, “There were endless comments on how impressed the players were with the sponsor support and dedication to our youth. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year for another great tournament!”