Westlock legion golf tournament raises money for community youth programs

The Westlock Legion Branch 97 organized a golf tournament on July 12 as a fundraiser for local community youth programs.

Around 80 golfers participated in the tournament, which took place at the Westlock Golf Club on a warm summer Saturday starting at 10 a.m. and continuing most of the day.

The tournament was played with teams of four as a Texas scramble format with each player given the opportunity to tee off with the best shot of the team being where the next shot is taken until the hole is completed.

The organizations the tournament raised money for included the Westlock Cadets, the Westlock Food Bank and the Thunderbirds football team. Some proceeds also went towards the military police in Athabasca, who recently hosted their 17th annual military police national motorcycle relay and second annual ride for vision and valour on June 30, which supported a program that provides services for blind children, including service dogs.  

Although exact numbers for funds raised aren’t yet available, upwards of $40,000 was raised through team registrations and meal ticket purchases for the prime rib meal at the legion after the tournament.

Golfers were given the opportunity win various prizes for hitting a hole in one including a 2025 Jeep Compass Sport at hole 2, a 2025 Ford Bronco at hole 11 and a $20,000 grand prize from Tirecraft at hole 6.

Several other local businesses sponsored the tournament including Fire and Flower Cannabis and the newly established Milwest Distillery and Spirits.

The Westlock Legion is open Fridays and Saturdays from 1-7 p.m. in July and also hosts bingo games every Wednesday night. Friday suppers, meat draws/50/50 draws and music will begin again at the legion in the fall.

It’s busy season for the Westlock Golf Club who will be hosting several other tournaments in the summer including the Westlock Open Aug. 9-10, the par 3 fundraiser on Aug. 23 and the club championships Sept. 13-14.