A full day of drives, putts, and community spirit came together at the Hillcrest Golf Course on Sept. 6 as the first-ever “Fore the Athletes” golf tournament teed off in support of local women.

The event drew 12 teams and raised approximately $6,800, which was split evenly between the Thunder Creek Volleyball Club (TCVC) and the Moose Jaw Mustangs Lacrosse Club. Each group received a $3,400 cheque to use for programming and equipment.

“It was really good. We had 12 teams come out, which is good, considering there was a large tournament at the Lynbrook as well as Homestand in Moose Jaw. It was a busy day,” said organizer and TCVC coach Haylee Bevan.

The winning team, dubbed Team McRae, came from Yorkton while on a golf road trip and happened upon the charitable tournament by chance. They shot 12-under-par to claim first place, earning four tickets to Homestand ‘25 along with sponsor-provided merchandise.

The tournament also featured contests for longest drive, closest to the pin and longest putt, while participants and volunteers capped off the day with a meal prepared by Hillcrest staff.

“We’d like to thank the Hillcrest Golf Course for all their support and for cooking us some tasty burgers for supper and lunch,” Bevan said.

The funds will have a direct impact on keeping sports accessible for women in Moose Jaw.

“For the Thunder Creek Volleyball Club … we’re able to offer affordable fees to our players and their families. We pride ourselves on being able to keep some of the lowest fees in all of Saskatchewan,” Bevan said. “That goes toward tournament fees, gym rentals, equipment costs, and things like that.”

The Mustangs will use their share to outfit a growing roster of female athletes.

“This is the most female athletes they’ve had in their club, and (their numbers) increased by quite a large percentage,” Bevan explained. “They are using (the proceeds) to purchase equipment … specifically new sticks and goggles. They were able to purchase in bulk, which has some cost savings, and then they can distribute to each athlete without having to up their fees too much.”

Bevan added that while field lacrosse has wrapped up for the season, she expects participation to grow again when box lacrosse intake opens next spring.

The tournament’s success was made possible through the backing of 18 local sponsors, ranging from family-owned businesses to well-known community partners.

“We say it all the time, but we could not do any of what we do without them,” Bevan said about these supporting partners. “We’re so grateful for our community for always supporting us, and for allowing us to give female athletes a chance at a sport they love without finances being a barrier.”

Bevan said the hope is to turn the Fore the Athletes tournament into an annual tradition that continues to grow.

For more information, visit “Thunder Creek Volleyball Club” or “Moose Jaw Mustangs Lacrosse” on Facebook. The Mustangs team can also be reached at Information@MooseJawMustangsLacrosse.ca.

The Hillcrest Golf Course is located at 1599 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-1921.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express