“Beginning in late May and running through September, Saskatchewan’s golf courses become settings for some of (the) most incredible stories of giving in a province that is known for giving. I call it the feel-good part of the year because how can you not feel good when 144 golfers, or more, gather on a golf course because they believe enough in a charity to support it with money.”
- Columnist the late Bob Hughes, Leader-Post, June 1, 1998
The charity golf tournament hosted by Ranch Ehrlo Society has drawn hundreds of supporters and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for children and youth in Saskatchewan over the years.
The 2015 Golf Classic (May 25, 2015 at the Wascana Country Club) will mark the 24th year of our charity tournament, celebrating the generosity of the community and benefit to the youth.
So in celebration of the contributions made, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at highlights from the Ranch Ehrlo charity golf tournament over the past two decades.
- In 1991, the Celebrity Golf Classic charity tournament was launched by Ranch Ehrlo Society.
- In 1995, the tournament raised $12,000 for education programs. The featured celebrity was two-time ladies world curling champion Marcia Gudereit.
- In 1997, the Celebrity Golf Classic raised $17,000 for Schaller Education Centre. The featured celebrity was Dick Rendek, 1997 inductee of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.
- In its first seven years, the charity golf tournament raised more than $100,000 for Ranch Ehrlo educational and substance abuse programs.
- In 1998, the tournament raised $20,000 for Schaller School Education Centre (which opened that same year).
- In 2007, politician Gordon Currie was the featured celebrity player.
- In 2008, the charity golf tournament changed its name, becoming known as the Ehrlo Golf Classic.
- In 2013, the golf tournament once again changed its name to honour the late founder of Ranch Ehrlo Society. The tournament was renamed the Dr. Geoff Pawson Memorial Golf Classic.
- In 2014, the Dr. Geoff Pawson Memorial Golf Classic raised $30,000 for Ehrlo Sport Venture.
Through the years, and changes in name, the goal of the Golf Classic has remained the same.
“This event provides golfers with the opportunity for an afternoon of golf, the chance for some outstanding prizes, good fellowship and most important – help provide some much needed assistance for troubled youth through the Ranch Ehrlo program,” said the tournament chairman Gord Wilkie, back in 1993.
We invite you to participate in, sponsor, and/or contribute to the 2015 Dr. Geoff Pawson Memorial Golf Classic.
