Oilmen’s shotgun fundraiser returns at Strathmore Golf Club

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Oilmen hosted their 15th annual golf tournament in an effort to raise money for local charities.

The tournament, which took place on June 10 at the Strathmore Golf Club, operated as a “double shotgun,” which meant two groups of golfers would take to the greens; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. 

Sean Duthie, a volunteer who helped to operate the tournament, said despite being a very different year for the tournament, he’s just glad it was able to be hosted.

“We’re glad to be back, obviously … we’ve got lots of good support, we’ve got a lot of good charities here,” he said.

The tournament supported Busy Bee preschool, Cystic Fibrosis and Strathmore Regional Victim Services. 

In all, Duthie said the tournament averages between $3,000 and $4,000 every year to be divided amongst the charities. 

“It’s a lot of work, but seeing a lot of smiling faces and having a lot of (people) back and them having a good day of golf … we’re pretty fortunate.”

A total of 176 golfers came out to play and show their support, with 86 playing in the morning and the remaining 90 in the afternoon in order to keep occupation numbers acceptable by current COVID-19 restrictions. 

Duthie explained the club has been listening closely to announcements made by the province and wanted their tournament to be as safe as possible, while being optimistic about the future of the event.

“We’ve listened to Mr. Kenney’s announcements and we’re taking it week by week. With everyone getting vaccinated and with hospitalizations down, we’re looking forward to supporting the charities we’ve supported over the years.”

The format of the game itself was a scramble. Each team of golfers would take the best shot made by one of its members and play off that in order to get the best score on a given hole.

“It’s not a competitive golf tournament, it’s just fun. Bring your friends, bring your coworkers … it’s really good to just see smiles. That’s what makes it worth it,” said Duthie.

Players and teams showed up from across the local area to play. Duthie explained some of the local teams have been attending since the tournament’s inception.

“A lot of these people come from Calgary, there’s a lot of local teams that have supported the Oilmen’s for 15 years. It’s just a really good community golf tournament”

The Strathmore Oilmen will hold its annual Fall Classic later this year to support local food banks and Christmas hampers.