Right off the first tee, Heidi Dubland cracked her ball straight at the nearby cameraman filming her shot.
That was right after explaining that she’s swung a club or two in her day.
“Can you change what I said before about being experienced?” laughed Dubland, after ensuring that the cameraman was OK.
He was. Actually he was thrilled to get the footage.
Despite a dodgy start, Dubland and her team of Chicks with Sticks literally had a ball as they took part in the 20th annual Charity Golf Classic Friday benefitting the North Okanagan Community Life Society.
“It’s all about having fun,” said teammate Laura Downward, who admits the last time she golfed was at last year’s NOCLS tourney.
The fivesome of girls were among 112 golfers at the Vernon Golf and Country Club teeing up for a great cause.
A cause so many believe in that the event raised $87,240.
“People are just terrific,” said tourney organizer Garry Molitwenik.
“There’s so many worthwhile causes: the tower, the hospital itself, Hospice House, there’s so many cancer events, and there’s not a lot of understanding about people with disabilities.”
Yet, a faithful following always comes through for NOCLS.
Between the players, who have such a ball that they return year-after-year, to the caddies who bring a host of goodies to the table to raise funds ($63,000 this year) in the caddy auction. Then there’s the sponsors, many of which have been donating merchandise and prizes for many, if not all of the past 20 years.
And while everyone is out to have a good time, there’s also some friendly competition involved as teams compete to win the NOCLS champ title.
This year, with a score of 12-under, the title goes to the foursome of Neil Bradbury, Danny Miller, Richard Stabb and Blake Rowson.
All of the funds raised at this year’s event will allow NOCLS to help mentally and physically challenged individuals achieve their highest potential.
One way the society accomplishes this goal is by re-establishing clients into the community by moving them out of group homes or segregated circumstances, into more independent type accommodations.
