Duffers, hackers and pros are all on an even playing field at the annual Monumental Tournament of Aces charity golf tournament, where the only hole that matters is the coveted hole in one.
“You just go around trying to make hole-in-ones … It’s completely different than any golf tournament,” said Kelly Kimmett, whose late daughter Lindsay inspired the creation of the fundraiser.
“It’s always a great community day – it’s just a lot of getting together with family and friends.”
The 10th annual Tournament of Aces opened registration this month, and already dozens of golfers have signed on to get gussied up in goofy gear and give it a go at the Links of GlenEagles on Sept. 30.
Those who sign on before June 30 at www.rotarycochrane.ca will be entered to win tickets to see Alabama on July 14 or Jerry Seinfeld on Oct. 13 in Calgary. The second early bird deadline, with eligibility for the Seinfeld show, is July 31.
The name of the game is to try and get the ball in the hole with a single whack on eight holes from distances about 100 yards (and one bonus hole where players who ace it from 155 yards win a vehicle lease from Cochrane Toyota).
Players can also win prizes by chipping through challenges with odd and unusual obstacles in the way – like mannequins, windowpanes, balloons, and hockey nets.
In the nine previous years of the tournament, just 15 people have nailed an ace … including Kimmett’s wife, Dianne.
“It’s quite a feat to get a hole in one,” said Rotary Club of Cochrane spokesman Glen Gryzko, adding the unique aspects of the day make it a popular event every year. “We don’t seem to have a lot of trouble getting golfers involved.”
Rotary has been working with the Kimmett family over the last three tournaments, each year taking on more of the organizational responsibilities. The plan is for Rotary to run the charity event fully by 2018.
“This year, we’ve taken on a much more active role,” said Gryzko. “From a club perspective, we’re always looking to something that is important to the community.”
This year, the tournament will support three charitable organizations: Lindsay’s Kids family sports sponsorships, the Rotary Student Exchange Program, and Cochrane Search and Rescue, which is receiving funds for the second time in a row.
Gryzko said Rotary decided the “significant needs” of the emergency organization warranted another round of donations.
“It’s an incredible organization that really works in the shadows,” he said. “We didn’t really know … how important they were.”
Search and Rescue spokeswoman Launie Schiewe said the golf tournament raised nearly $40,000 for the volunteer-run services group last year. The group works with RCMP and others to support emergency operations like missing hikers, plane crashes and more.
“Last year, some of the money went to … GPS and radios. We also were able to open up a savings account for our new headquarters,” said Schiewe, adding they hope to use the money from this fall’s event for team leader training and more equipment for 15 new members.
Schiewe said while the amount raised for SAR provides a massive boost for their work, the tournament itself is also a great way for the high-pressure squad to let off some steam.
“It was so much fun. There are teams that dress up … it’s just a blast,” she said.. “I love it and, honestly, I love just being part of these great organizations.
“It puts some sunshine on some of our stuff we do.”
