FORE! It's time to tee off for students
Every year, Concordians unite at the Memorial Golf Tournament. | Photo by Zone Images
Warm weather has finally arrived in Montreal, and as every devoted Concordian knows, with summer comes the annual Memorial Golf Tournament at the Hemmingford Golf Club.
Now in its 22nd year, the popular charity event is an opportunity to pay tribute to four Concordia professors who tragically lost their lives in the summer of 1992. It provides support for a series of student bursaries.
As Perry Calce — a committee member and one of the event's co-founders — explains, the tournament was initially conceived as morale booster, and only became a fundraising event later on.
"Nevertheless, through the years we've raised more than $125,000 and established six bursaries, which will be given out in perpetuity," he says.
Golf is only part of the story: dinner and prizes cap off the day in style.
| Photo by Christopher Alleyne
In 2015 — same place, new date
This year, the Memorial Golf Tournament tees off on June 17, two months earlier than its traditional occurrence in mid-August.
Calce says the organizing committee decided to switch to the earlier date in response to concerns that August is too close to the start of the academic year. "We hope that by having the tournament earlier, more Concordians will be able to participate in this great event."
Always a resounding success, the Memorial Golf Tournament always attracts a lively crowd. Many Concordians see it as a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends of the university in a fun environment.
The Memorial Golf Tournament invariably attracts a lively crowd. | Photo by Zone Images
The tournament brings out the best in its participants and supporters, Calce says, with Concordians consistently demonstrating their benevolence and generosity both on and off the course.
He recalls how, one year, several participants showed up to play without proper golf shirts. As a result, they weren't allowed on the course. "So I called my brother and asked him to go to my place and bring me all the golf shirts he could find in my closet. Half an hour later every golfer was teeing off.”
Everybody in the Concordia community is invited to come out with their friends and colleagues for a full day of golf, brunch, fun, dinner, trophies and prizes. At $100 ($120 for friends of Concordia) the overall value is hard to beat. If you would like to participate, send in your registration before June 5.
For more detailed information, see the 2015 Memorial Golf Tournmanet event listing.