ESTEVAN - Estevan Police Service (EPS) Const. Jeremy Taman believes the success of the Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament reflects what Pierson meant to policing in Estevan and Saskatchewan, and to the community.
A full field of 144 golfers entered the tournament, held Saturday at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course.
“It reflects the type of person that Jay was,” said Taman, who was part of the organizing committee for the tournament. “He put his heart into everything, be it as a police officer or a member of the community. He loved serving the community of Estevan, and I think that showed tenfold yesterday with the support that we received and how everything went and the fact that everybody just came out and had a great time and remembered Jay the right way.”
Pierson died in March from natural causes, but had been battling PTSD for several years. Proceeds from the event will be directed to an organization that fights PTSD.
The Estevan Police Association organized the tournament.
The tournament flowed about as well as possible, Taman said, since they had so many golfers entered and there were numerous activities and competitions offered on the course throughout the day.
“That set us back a little bit, but it was about as quick as you could expect for a tournament of that magnitude,” said Taman.
A team consisting of Kyle Luc, Brandon Frank, Jeff Ward and Stephen Kitchen finished in top spot in the Texas scramble tournament with a score of 19-under-par, and was awarded the Jay Pierson Memorial Trophy. And the tournament had some prizes for close approach, longest drive and longest putt.
But Taman said this wasn’t a competitive event, as the intent was for people to have fun.
Golfers hit their tee shot on Woodlawn’s first hole while wearing beer goggles supplied by Saskatchewan Government Insurance. The goggles simulate what it’s like to drive while impaired.
Support for the tournament extended beyond the entry fees.
“From the Western Canada Montreal Canadiens Fan Club, who had a raffle for the tournament, they came down from Saskatoon for it, and the 50-50 that was held at the tournament, we were able to raise $2,500 from those two functions as well,” said Taman.
After everything is tallied, several thousand more dollars will be going to a PTSD initiative and programming of the police association’s choice.
The association is looking at several different options.
The tournament was sold out within 24 hours of entries opening. All of the committee members had their phones ringing off the hook with people wanting to be a part of it, through golfing and sponsorships.
In addition to the large contingent of local golfers, teams came from throughout the province and even Medicine Hat, Alta.
“We always had pretty good support from some surrounding agencies and emergency services. So that wasn’t that much of a surprise to see them reach out and want to be a part of it. That being said, we also a great amount of local support as well. It was a good blend between the two, and everybody was able to take part and be a part of the initiative and the memorial for Jay Pierson.”
While the EPA has hosted golf tournaments in the past to benefit community organizations, Taman is confident that it will be a new tradition to have a tournament named after Pierson to support organizations that work with those affected by PTSD.
“The response that we had and the support that we received and all the funds were raised for a great, great cause, it was just an absolute beauty of a memorial for Jay Pierson. It should be something that moves forward and is held annually so that everybody has the chance to take part,” said Taman.
