September brings several things to mind. The start of school, and the ever-nearing loom of winter, which means it’s only a matter of time before curling returns.
The Cochrane Senior Curlers golf tournament is set to take place at the Cochrane Golf Course on Sept. 14.
Entering its fifth year, the tournament is a chance for people to get back together after a long summer and not only register for curling but other events such as shuffleboard, carpet bowling, ping pong, scrabble and card games like bridge, whist, cribbage, and euchre.
“We have a pretty good fraternity and sorority of curling in Cochrane,” said organizer Doug Campbell. “We have a seniors men’s league and a senior mixed league.
“So, we’re looking to continue recruiting and for more opportunities to expand.”
Campbell says that Cochrane has attracted a lot of retirees in recent years, and even if they’re not big on curling they can still come out and have fun.
“It’s about giving seniors a place to be active,” Campbell continued. “If we continue to build our numbers we can get better facilities and events for those things.”
In past years, the tournament has averaged around 50 contestants with roughly 10 new faces showing up depending on the year.
“We’re hoping to get the same sort of numbers as well this time out,” Campbell said.
On the curling side of things, one of the key factors in the senior competitions is the bonspiel held in November, which has grown to be very popular. The golf tournament is a big part of recruiting new numbers.
“We brought the concept for the spiel from the Alberta 55-plus Games,” Campbell said. “It allows 65 year olds to play in their peer group, and it’s the same with 75 year olds and 75-plus.
“It’s great because it increases participation so people know they’re not going to be playing against 55 year olds who are stronger and better sweepers, along with being in better condition.”
The golf tournament is a Texas Scramble format (four to a team, two drives each, with matched handicaps, and string ball equalizers).
Fees are $45, and registration begins at 8 a.m. the day of the event and goes to 9:30 a.m., with a loonie putting contest running at the same time with the shotgun start commencing at 10 a.m.
People can also register for other seniors games at the event.
For more information, contact Margaret Whitlock (403-932-7590) or Doug Campbell at 403-932-6866 or [email protected].
