LAC LA BICHE - For the second year in a row, golfers will be hitting the links at the Lac La Biche Golf Club to help raise money for athletic programs at Portage College during the Voyageurs Golf Classic.
The 2024 Voyageurs Golf Classic will take place on Aug. 15.
Jim Knight, the college’s recreation manager says the tournament is hoped to follow up on the success of last year’s event that attracted about 50 golfers and raised $9,400. The funds, he said, go to a wide range of areas, including team building activities, equipment, and meals for athletes.
“We’re looking forward to this year. We felt that the 2023 Voyageurs golf classic was a success, it brought awareness to our athletes and where they were from,” he told Lakeland This Week.
The 2024 Voyageurs Golf Classic includes a breakfast, a welcome gift, the golf round, a power cart rental, snacks on the course, and an after-game supper. Like last year, there will be prizes for the top three teams, hole prizes, a silent auction, raffle, and 50/50 draw. l
Knight hopes to build on last year’s interest.
“Last year we had 52 golfers, this year our goal is to have more than 80,” he said.
Athletes on the course
The college’s golf program has seen success in recent years with student athletes making it to the national collegiate championships. Athletes in other college sports programs have also been recognized for their abilities. But players in the upcoming golf classic won’t have to worry about being upstaged by them. Student athletes will be volunteering their time at the event, working fun challenge contests and greeting players. Some on the college’s golf team might also be offering tips to players, said Knight.
College officials say there is still room to enter the event as a player, and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Portage College teams have players from campus locations across the Lakeland. Knight says players and sponsors from across the region are welcome to attend.
Entry fees for individuals competing in the tournament are $180. The cost to enter a team of four is $700 for a team of four. Those are interested in golfing in the 2024 Voyageurs Golf Classic, sponsoring, or donating to the silent auction can contact Knight at 780-720-2020 or jim.knight@portagecollege.ca.