GLADSTONE, Man. — Gladstone Golf & Country Club welcomed the community on July 17 for the second annual Gladstone Golf Tournament, raising more than $5,500 in support of First Tee – Prairies.
Organized by club board members, First Tee coaches and local volunteers, the event brought golfers together to help grow the game for youth in the Westlake-Gladstone region. Proceeds will stay in the community, covering equipment costs, coach honorariums and registration fees for participants.
Planning is already underway for the 2026 edition of the tournament.
“We are grateful for the continued support from the community of Westlake-Gladstone,” said Michael Kananoja, program manager for First Tee – Prairies. “The second annual First Tee tournament at Gladstone Golf & Country Club was a great success. Their commitment to the future of golf within the region will allow youth to access quality programming in their schools and on-course.”
First Tee community champion and Gladstone Golf & Country Club vice-president Ivan Milne emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation.
“Small town golf courses, and all courses in general, are dependent on the game of golf growing. Children are the future of golf,” Milne said. “First Tee can have a significant impact for our children’s and grandchildren’s development, our course and our community moving into the future.”
The tournament was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Gladstone Golf & Country Club Inc., Spikes Gladstone Golf & Country Club Restaurant, Stride Credit Union, Lightway Transport Ltd., Keystone Concrete Ltd., Soper Farms Ltd., DDM Custom Welding, Gladstone Vet Clinic, Otto Family Farms Ltd., Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op, Mardee Enterprizes, Foxon Agencies, Eblock, Rocky Mountain Equipment, Enns Bros, Westward Ford, McLaughlin GM, Richardson Pioneer, Kinley Thomson CPA Inc., Pete and Rosie Banyard, Ivan Milne and HyLife.
Since its launch in 2023, First Tee – Prairies has introduced more than 13,300 youth to golf and its inherent life skills, trained over 20 coaches, and has run the program at more than 40 facilities including schools, community centres, and golf courses — nearly 100% of which was at no cost to participants. Continued support from Gladstone Golf & Country Club, community members, and event sponsors ensures the program can grow in Westlake-Gladstone and expand to reach more youth across the Prairies provinces.
For more information on how to get involved, visit firstteeprairies.ca/get-involved/fundraising.