Despite the rain, golfers didn't hesitate to come out to swing their clubs and have some fun playing novelty golf in the sold-out Kingsmith Monumental Tournament of Aces on Sept. 30.

In fact, chair Glen Gryzko says it was the most successful in recent years.

"I'm at a point where I can say this will have record-setting proceeds in the most recent years," says Gryzko. "And, again, we're just thrilled with the support from the communities, sponsorships, and businesses and beneficiaries were engaged as well."

"Reflecting on it, I was absolutely shocked at the dedication that people in this town showed in coming out in that weather. I mean, it was not a day to actually sit around on a cart and try to hit golf balls. It was more like you sit around in front of a fireplace, drinking hot coffee, or something. Unbelievably, we had 99 per cent of the people who registered show up. It's just incredible."

The 16th annual event was a gas, even in the rain, thanks to its nine short and sassy holes. Drive for the sand, chip out of the sand, bang the gong, poke the ball through a hole, and nail some mannequins wearing Edmonton Oilers and Saskatchewan Roughriders colours. You even pick up a hockey stick and try to score a hole-in-one in a mini-net (it's not as easy as it sounds).

And, yes, water comes into play, like the drive to a wee patch of green placed in the centre of a pond.

The event was created as one of the fundraisers for the Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation by the Kimmett family. It's now organized by the Rotary Club of Cochrane in partnership with Cochrane Search & Rescue with the continued support of the Kimmett family.

In its first 15 years, it raised $1.25 million.

This year's event will help raise funds for new playgrounds at Glenbow School and Westbrook School, expand BGC of Cochrane & Area, and buy a new bus for Big Hill Lodge.

The donations are expected to be presented at the Oct. 10 meeting of the Cochrane Rotary Club.

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