The Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor and Council Golf Classic has developed a reputation that goes far beyond the boundaries of the municipality.
What other fundraising golf tournament offers gift bags that include a hand-crafted pewter ornament of a historic building in the community?
Or treats golfers to Holland Marsh vegetables, homemade cookies and chocolate milk at the various holes?
“There was a breeze in spots, the mood was good, our volunteers were just so personable, and people enjoyed the day,” said Mayor Rob Keffer, at Bradford Highlands Golf Club on Thursday.
The tourney is more than just a day on the links, and a “fun event celebrating the community,” as executive assistant Karen Gill described it.
It is also a fundraiser for the town’s Community Initiatives Fund, which provides grants to a wide range of community groups and organizations.
Each year for the past four years, the tournament has raised between $20,000 and $30,000 for the fund.
This year, sponsorships were down somewhat — but the organizers still hoped to raise enough to make a difference in the community.
The tournament was sold out, with 144 golfers signing up for the 18 holes of golf, prizes and raffles, a peameal-on-a-bun breakfast, and a steak and chicken lunch.
The tee-off time was moved forward to avoid the sweltering heat and the predicted thunderstorms — and the awards were just wrapping up when the black clouds began rolling in.
Top foursome, at 10 under par, was the team of Rob Ferragine, Peter Ferragine, Tony DiPede and Tom Bottrell. Each golfer received a prize of a free foursome at Bradford Highlands.
Longest putt on hole 18 was won by Neil Palmer, for a second time.
Men’s longest drive went to Kevin Eek, and Jenn Gore took the women’s prize.
“Thanks so much for supporting the mayor and council’s golf tournament,” said Keffer.
