CARLYLE - There were 108 golfers who participated Saturday in the annual Carlyle Cougars golf tournament, which was named the Wade Robertson Memorial Golf Tournament for the first time.
Robertson, who was the coach of the Cougars last season, passed away suddenly in May, so the tournament was named in his honour.
The event was a four-person best ball and golfers teed up 12 to a hole. Despite the large number participating, there were few backlogs and the pace was steady all day long.
At the fifth hole gazebo, Derrick Big Eagle and Gary Anderson served barbecued steaks and refreshments for the hungry and thirsty golfers. The gazebo was sponsored by Tomahawk Energy Services, Canadian Casing Accessories and Edge DrillBit Services.
“I was happy to help the Cougars with the golf tournament and remembering Wade Robertson, a good friend and a great coach. He had rejuvenated the team and hopefully someone of his calibre can follow in his footsteps. In his one short year of coaching, he molded the Cougars into winners on the ice and leaders in the community,” said Big Eagle.
Ben Johnstone, who was the captain of the Cougars in 2021-22 and is on the team’s executive, was also pleased with the response.
“We originally posted the tournament details July 19th on our Facebook page,” said Johnstone. “Six hours later, we had 72 players register with a waiting list. We talked to the Carlyle Golf Club, and they agreed to having up to 108 register. We did so in no time.”
Nicole Currie is also on the Cougars executive and like Johnstone also golfed in the tournament.
“Everyone had a great time,” said Currie. “We had a lot of golfers from out of town and a lot of Wade’s friends and relatives in attendance. The tournament went smoothly. We can’t thank everyone who supported us enough. Sponsorship, volunteers, golfers and the golf course staff.”
Robertson last played hockey on the Carlyle Legends recreation team. A jersey was brought to the clubhouse and signed by all 108 of those who golfed that day. It will be framed and proudly displayed on the walls of the Carlyle Sports Arena in Wade’s memory.
“Before his passing, I talked to Wade about what date we should be holding this tournament,” said Johnstone. “He told me, why not hold it the weekend of Carlyle Fun Dayz? Might be a good idea to bring the two events together. It just shows what a great community person he was.”
Added Currie, “Wade had a passion for sports and seeing kids playing and having fun. We will also be making donations to a few organizations from the net proceeds of this tournament that support what he was all about.”
In closing, Johnstone also wanted to thank Ty Currie, Branden Lequyer and Marlee Cormier for helping to plan the golf tournament. Regarding the upcoming season, he said: “We might be missing one or two players from last year, but we do have some new ones lined up. We will be fielding a competitive team. And one final note. Our annual golf tournament will always be called the Wade Robertson Memorial.”
