Mayor Jeff Genung calls the Mayor's Invitational charity golf event a smashing success.

Held July 26 on the Links of GlenEagles, the sold-out event raised over $80,000, more than double the amount Mayor Genung anticipated. The event was the first fundraiser for the future 5th Ave. multi-purpose community centre.

"I was just overwhelmed by the support from not only businesses but residents of the community who rallied around the idea of getting out, enjoying a day of golf, and supporting a good cause."

Plenty of prizes were up for grabs and John Copithrone called a live auction during the evening function.

Three holes featured a chance to win a vehicle from Cochrane Toyota and GM by plunking a hole-in-one. Nobody did.

CFL Hall of Famer Jon Cornish greeted golfers and handing out bottles of water along the course. He'll be back as one of the announcers of the Great Cochrane Outhouse Races on Aug. 29.

As well, Canadian actor Tom Jackson played in the tournament.

A total of 144 people hit the fairways, and there was a slightly larger crowd for the wrapup, says Genung.

"It was perfect. A lot of people hadn't golfed there ever, and it was the first time for them to see our community from up there. You can see everything going on in Cochrane from there."

He appreciates the generous support received, especially with the pandemic only now in our rearview mirror.

"There were a lot of prizes that were donated by Cochrane businesses, and then a lot of generous supporters who were donating to a good cause."

He would like to see it continue as an annual event.

"Whoever's mayor next year, I think this should be an annual event so this will be the first annual. If I'm lucky enough to be mayor next year, I would for sure have a second annual."

Golf 2Mayor Jeff Genung with Dan Kroffat, who played a major role in spearheading the invitational.

golf tourney 3