The Swan Hills Oilmen Golf Tournament is returning for its 54th year.
The tournament is set for Sept. 11 and 12 at the Swan Hills Golf and Country Club, with registration taking place Thursday, Sept. 10. Participants will also be able to play a complimentary nine holes that day.

Brent Cmoc, secretary at the Swan Hills Golf and Country Club, says the annual event has long been a way for oil workers to gather, take a break and enjoy time together away from work.

Before the Swan Hills course was built. Cmoc says the tournament was hosted outside the community in places such as Barrhead and Westlock. It has since become a longstanding local event and one of the golf club’s major fundraisers.

The weekend will include breakfast before golfing on Friday and Saturday, followed by a steak supper Saturday night. Prizes will be awarded to flight winners, and door prizes will be handed out at the supper.

Complimentary camping will also be available to participants at the golf course for the weekend.

Cmoc says he wishes participation was higher, saying the tournament used to draw fuller numbers. He says it has become harder in recent years to find participants, but the returning golfers remain an important part of the event.

What he looks forward to most, he says, is seeing the people who continue to come back year after year, along with welcoming new participants to the tournament.

“It’s good camaraderie,” Cmoc says.

He says the support from oilfield companies and suppliers is a major reason the tournament continues to be successful.

Donations and prizes from businesses help support the event and make it an important fundraiser for keeping the golf club operational.

Cmoc says the club is grateful to the businesses that continue to support the tournament through donations and other contributions.

Sara Driedger
Lakeside Leader