Drive Out Breast Cancer Golf Tournament totalled $6700

The first annual Drive Out Breast Cancer Golf Tournament took place on Sunday, October 18 at Talbot Trail Golf Course.

The proceeds from that event totalled $6700, which was promptly donated to ESHF for their Care Happens Here Campaign – mammography program.

For Monica Couto, who organized the event, it’s personal. Her mother was diagnosed back in April of this year with breast cancer.

Paul Couto and Monica Couto (tournament organizer) wearing their breast cancer awareness shirts.

“What better way to help than having a golf tournament,” she said.

Being employed at Talbot Trail Golf Course, it was the perfect fit. So Monica and Talbot Trail Manager, Jennifer Dawson, decided to jump in and see how it went. “The team pitched in and we made it happen,” said Dawson. “Monica was really the driving spirit behind the tournament.”

Above, Bill “Sky” Howe participates in one of the many themed “mini challenges” golfers were met with throughout the course.

With help from a lot of friends, family and local businesses, the golf tournament went off without a hitch on October 18.

About 24 raffle prizes were donated and they were able to develop a few games and challenges within the tournament to make it fun and exciting.

A little rain dampened things a bit, but they all carried on to get the tournament in the books for the first year.

Taylor Fisheries stepped up with pink tickets for every golfer, which entitled them to a meal at their fish trailer. Course Superintendent, Derek Brown, had pink flags and cup-liners ordered.

Paul Couto and Jamie Thomas face off on Hole #9. Golfers were challenged to putt using a hockey stick.

“We managed to have a safe and fun time,” said Dawson. “At the same time, we were able to support those in the community affected by breast cancer.” The tournament attracted 155 golfers and Couto was happy with that.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who came out,” she said.

Meanwhile, the money raised goes to a great cause at Erie Shores HealthCare, with the Foundation trying to raise $7 million to construct a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging department to accommodate the best that medicine can offer.