Golf season in the Okanagan is officially underway, and with it comes one of the community’s favourite traditions that mixes sunshine, friendly competition and giving back.
Kelowna Morningside Rotary Club is preparing to host its 21st annual charity golf tournament on May 22 at Black Mountain Golf Club, inviting golfers of all skill levels out for a day that organizers promise is all about fun first.
And yes, there are some pretty incredible prizes involved, too. “This tournament is really designed for everyone,” said Alyson with the Kelowna Morningside Rotary Club. “If you are a beginner golfer like me, you can still have fun. If you’re a great golfer, you’ll still have fun.”
Unlike a traditional tournament, this event features a unique Texas scramble format where every hole is played as a par three, making it approachable for beginners while still competitive enough for experienced golfers looking to test their short game.
The tournament also comes with more than $5,000 in prizes, including closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions, team prizes and two hole-in-one opportunities worth $20,000 each. “It’s a really fun afternoon, and there are lots of opportunities to win,” Alyson said.
For many participants, though, the biggest reward is knowing the event supports organizations making a meaningful difference throughout the community. Over the past 20 years, the tournament has helped raise more than $260,000 for local Rotary initiatives and community organizations.
This year’s proceeds will help support groups including Kelowna Community Resources, Elevation Outdoors, Karis Support Society, the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, YMCA youth programs and the Okanagan College Student Union Pantry. Golfers are also encouraged to bring along non-perishable food donations for the student pantry. “It’s just a really fun way to help out your community,” Alyson said.
Beyond the fundraising aspect, the tournament also reflects what Rotary is all about: connection, friendship and community involvement.
The Kelowna Morningside Rotary Club meets on Thursday mornings in Kelowna and welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds. Alyson says the organization has evolved significantly over the years, with more women and younger members becoming involved.
For Alyson, joining Rotary after moving to Kelowna helped create friendships and connections in a brand-new city.
“We joined Rotary, and now we have a fabulous group of friends, and we get to do lots of really great things in the community,” she shared.
That welcoming atmosphere is something organizers hope golfers feel the moment they arrive at Black Mountain.
“We kind of like to say we put the fun in fundraising,” Alyson laughed.
Registration for the tournament is $195 and includes golf, a cart and dinner, along with access to raffles, auctions and prize opportunities throughout the day. And for anyone hesitant because they’re not an experienced golfer, organizers say this is exactly the kind of event to try.
Whether you come with friends, coworkers, a partner or simply want an excuse to enjoy a spring afternoon outdoors, the tournament is designed to be less about scorecards and more about making memories. After all, you never know, your best shot of the day could end up being worth $20,000.
