The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament fundraiser is on. For the entire month of September.

“This is our major fundraising event of the year and we rely on the funds raised to continue our devoted efforts in supporting our members and the Columbia Valley community,” said the Chamber’s Executive Director Pete Bourke. “We are adjusting to this year’s many challenges and this event is no different.”

Instead of the chamber’s normal one-day event in May, this year the event is being held through the entire month of September at Fairmont’s Mountainside Course. Tournament participants can book tee-times to the best ball scramble at their leisure.

“The chamber is definitely not immune to the impacts of COVID,” said Bourke. “But we hope to raise a portion of what we normally would raise with this different approach to hosting a tournament. It’s about camaraderie and having fun, entering prizes, and accomplishing many of the same things with this month long format as opposed to one day event.”

The entry level “par package” to register is $500 per foursome. Tiered packages go up from there but they all include two shared power-carts or four individual pull-carts, a $15 on-course food and beverage voucher, $25 after-golf meal at the resort, and entry into a team prize draw. Players receive a tee gift package which includes, among other things, Kicking Horse Coffee beans, stationary and beer cozies. “We are also adding a mini-golf tournament to the event so now there is twice the chance to win big and have a great day out with your team after a busy summer season,” Bourke said.

Since the arrival of COVID-19, golf as an activity has experienced an uptick in demand. It’s a sport that lends itself well to outdoor social distancing. Weekend morning tee-times have been a hot ticket throughout the summer months and the far into September.

“People were very open to the changes we implemented for our on-course safety protocol,” said Fairmont’s head pro Jeremy Johnson. “We spaced out our tee times to ensure social distancing which translated to certain tee times that have not, for a long time, been in such demand.” The aim for golf courses in the Columbia Valley has been to provide a safe venue for golfers while simultaneously accommodating a surge activity.

“Fairmont has been so great and supportive to work with,” said Bourke. “The chamber wishes to extend our gratitude toward all the support businesses have extended to one another through this challenging summer.” For more information on the tournament, visit cvchamber.ca/bbb.