Wawota Lions held their 17th annual golf tournament for farmers and ranchers on June 24. In a year that will long be remembered, the players found mutual understanding as well as relaxation and laughter on the superb course at Kenosee. With great representation from both Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the event started with breakfast at Club 19, and then the players teed off across all 18 holes, just after 9 a.m.
The weather was mostly dry, but the overcast sky and occasional rain did provide momentary echoes of "The Old Country" from which the game originated. Although no bagpipes played, and modern slacks have long ago replaced plus fours, the spirit of the game remained intact amidst the rolling hills of Moose Mountain.
The tournament was well-supported by business ventures from across the region. Sponsorship came from a multitude of agricultural concerns including Viterra, Seed Hawk and BASF Canada. In addition, support was also forthcoming from the banking and automotive sectors, and the prizes represented this diversity. For example, had a player been so skilled as to get a hole-in-one at the 8th, they would have been given the keys to a $46,000 SUV.
While nobody has ever scored a hole-in-one in the history of the event, there were plenty of other prizes to be given out at the end of the day. The awards ceremony took place after supper in Wawota hall. On the course, each hole had been represented by one or more of the sponsors, and players had the opportunity of entering their name into the various draws to be held that evening. Prizes included sweaters, leather jackets, gift certificates, agricultural chemicals, golf bags and even a Callaway driver.
Such an event can only take place with great dedication on the part of all concerned. Wawota Lions Club continues a fine tradition of putting the tournament together so well, in 16 years it has raised more than $125,000 for the community. The sponsors also must be thanked for continuing to provide the prizes and support that are essential to make the day a huge success. Also worthy of note are the Mountenay Ladies for their culinary efforts, and the officials and green keepers for manicuring the course to perfection.
However, it is the players themselves who bring the spirit and camaraderie to the game. Whether they consistently hit the ball straight down the middle, or make countless diversions into the bush, their presence and sportsmanship is what it's all about.
