The final preparations are coming together for the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS) annual Oilmen’s Golf event, scheduled for June 4 and 5 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course.
The competition will see golfers play an 18-hole round on either the first or the second day. Ash Domes, who is the chairperson of the golf event’s committee, said the entrants are excited to play in the oilmen’s this year.
“We have lots of support. We have lots of sponsorships and donations and prizes coming in,” said Domes.
The OTS had an enjoyable trap shooting event back in April, and now they’re looking forward to continuing the momentum with the golf competition.
“It’s a staple event,” said Domes. “It allows us to be able to give back to the community for other things that come up … with different things that we’ve worked on over the years. When we have successful events and we get a good buy-in, it helps with the economy and the circumstances that have been going on.”
In a normal year it would be the biggest fundraiser for the Estevan OTS, but right now the focus is trying to break even.
It’s essential to keep focusing as a group to make sure these events go on, he said.
The golf event is also good for socializing and networking. People who would normally not get a chance to meet will get to connect.
“It’s a good way to focus the industry together to be able to create new relationships and things like that,” said Domes.
And it is a big weekend for the golf course. Traditionally the tournament would be held over three days, and would have 18-hole and 36-hole events. It would also feature a steak or lobster supper at the end of the second day that would serve as a social night for the golfers.
Still, the number of golfers entered isn’t a significant decrease from normal.
Domes said the OTS is grateful to Woodlawn head pro and general manager Amanda Minchin and the rest of the staff for all of the work they have done.
The four par-3 holes on the course will each have a $10,000 hole in one prize during the event. More than 40 local and non-local sponsors have stepped forward with support, and Domes highlighted Wil-Tech Industries for sponsoring the Oilmen’s for more than 20 years.
Approximately 300 golfers are expected to register, which means there will be 150 golfers making their way through the course each day. The deadline to register was on May 23, and organizers have been working hard to book and confirm tee times.
The OTS accepted late entries until the 300 available tee times were booked.
A meal will be served to each golfer once they complete their round.
It will be a similar format to last year’s competition, which was an 18-hole event that was held on just one day.
Domes noted there will be a photo booth and other attractions that will follow COVID-19 restrictions. While there have been changes to the guidelines for outdoor team sports, Domes said they are following the advice of the golf course for the event.
“Some of the guidelines with how guys will converse and meet up during the event, there’s a little bit of relaxing on that, being able to use the golf clubhouse as a normal establishment. They won’t have as many restrictions and guidelines there.”
