The Williams Lake RCMP and guests were on the links at the Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club Wednesday for the 26th Annual Williams Lake RCMP Charity Golf Tournament.
Selecting a different charity every year, the Williams Lake RCMP sift through the charities who apply, choosing one they believe will benefit the community.
“This year it’s high school scholarships for both Columneetza secondary and Williams Lake secondary,” said Williams Lake RCMP Cpl. Tom Erickson.
Through the tournament, the Williams Lake RCMP raised enough money to provide $2,000 to be divvied up among the scholarships.
“It goes to deserving kids and hopefully it’s going to help them out.”
The tournament itself featured around 100 golfers including RCMP members and non-RCMP members competing in a fun, stroke-play tournament.
Prizes were also up for grabs on a number of holes including men’s shortest drive, ladies’ longest putt, men’s and ladies’ long drives, closest to the pin holes and others.
“The tournament itself is based on fun,” Erickson said. “We still wanted to go out and shoot well but it’s more about the scholarships than anything else.”
Adding to the tournament’s success over the years, including this one, has been the support of around 125 various local businesses and sponsors, said Erickson.
“What we do to help fund the tournament is we have a raffle draw,” he said.
“This year we went after golf courses and hotels.”
As a result, several golf packages were given out as prizes, along with barbecues, TVs and much more.
The top golfers, RCMP and non-RCMP, were also acknowledged for their rounds.
“Last year they got a hat with the RCMP and the year engraved on it,” Erickson said.
Williams Lake RCMP Const. John Tent added the tournament is a lot of fun for everyone, and it’s for a good cause.
“It’s unbelievable how the business community and even individuals step up and help us every year,” Tent said.
“It’s greatly appreciated by us and the recipients for our chosen charity that year.
“All the money stays here in Williams Lake and we’re happy to be supporting youth in our community.”