Although Mayor Jeff Genung jokingly describes his swing as “inconsistent,” his passion for golf-- and for giving back-- is driving excitement for the 5th Annual Mayor’s Invitational Golf Tournament on July 21 at The Links of Gleneagles.
“The course is challenging,” he said. “I try my best on tournament day, but my goal is always just to have fun.”
Genung picked up the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic, when outdoor activities were among the few safe options available.
“It’s just such a nice, relaxing place to spend a few hours and forget about the stress and pressure of work,” he said. “I love golfing here at GlenEagles in our hometown and taking in the view.”
What started as a personal escape soon turned into a powerful community initiative. Inspired by similar events hosted by other municipal leaders, Genung launched the Mayor’s Invitational as a way to support local causes.
“I saw other mayors doing this and thought, ‘That’s a great idea-- we can do that in Cochrane,’” he explained. “There are so many worthy causes here that are struggling to make ends meet.”
Over the past four years, the tournament has raised funds for key community initiatives, including the Cochrane Trails Project, Cochrane Legion, and the Humane Society.
“We’re really excited to be doing this for the fifth year in a row,” said Genung. “By the end of this tournament, we’ll have given back over half a million dollars to the community.”
This year, the tournament’s proceeds will go toward Big Hill Haven, an organization providing vital support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Genung said the decision to support Big Hill Haven feels especially meaningful.
“I get calls from people who are desperate and going through incredibly hard times,” he shared. “They reach out to anyone they think might be able to help-- sometimes even the mayor. But there’s a limit to what I can do. This is a way to make a real difference.”
Big Hill Haven, like many non-profits, relies heavily on fundraising to meet its operational needs.
“This will go a long way in helping them meet their funding goals for the year,” Genung said.
The tournament’s growing success is thanks in large part to the volunteers and organizing committee who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
“We have two rules: find a worthy cause and have fun,” Genung explained. “That combination seems to work really well.”
The event has built a loyal base of sponsors and returning golfers.
“With this being our fifth year, we’re going out of our way to recognize those who’ve been with us since the beginning. There are quite a few, and it’s really touching.”
The tournament has become a marquee event, selling out nearly every year. As of now, only one team spot remains of the 36 available entries.
Even if you don’t play, there are still ways to support.
“If people want to get involved, we still have sponsorship opportunities,” Genung said. “Businesses can promote themselves on the course by sponsoring a hole.”
After the 18-hole scramble, participants will enjoy a banquet and a silent auction hosted by John Copithorne.
“We’ve sold items for $10,000 and others for a couple hundred,” said Genung. “We try to have something at different price points so everyone can participate.”
For more information or to support the cause, visit:
zeffy.com/ticketing/5th-annual-mayors-invitational-golf-tournament
