Annual Carman golf tournament continues 28-year legacy in support of cancer care
The Mike Pritchard Memorial Golf Tournament celebrated its biggest turnout yet this year, as 325 golfers hit the links at the Carman Golf Course on Saturday in a record-breaking event that continues to honour a local legacy and raise vital funds for cancer care.
“This was our largest event ever,” said organizer Darren Pritchard. “We had 310 golfers last year, and this year we reached 325. The energy from everyone out there was amazing.”
Now in its 28th year, the tournament was once a small fundraiser in Roland, before moving to Carman in 2011. Since then, the event has grown steadily in size and impact, and is on track to surpass a cumulative fundraising total of $750,000.
“Those numbers aren’t final yet,” said Pritchard. “But with this year’s contributions, we should be over that mark. Every dollar goes to South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR), and knowing we’re making a difference is what keeps us going.”
Golfers were once again treated to new tournament swag—this year, a branded beach towel featuring the tournament logo and title sponsor Burbank Express—as well as meals, prizes and a day full of fun.
“We work hard every year to tweak little things to make the event better and faster, but the focus always remains the same: raising money for cancer and keeping Mike’s name alive,” said Pritchard. “It’s really incredible to still have that support 28 years after he passed away.”
The tournament draws a mix of longtime supporters and newcomers—some who knew Mike personally, and many who did not.
“A lot of the people at the tournament never met Mike,” said Pritchard. “But they love the event and where their money is going. It’s all about having a great time and supporting a cause that touches so many.”
Some golfers have taken part in every tournament since it began. Pritchard recalled an early road trip to Cochrane, Alta., with a group of 15 players—many of whom still return to the Carman event year after year.
The tournament continues to grow thanks to strong community support. Local businesses donated prizes and cash, and new sponsors came aboard this year to help push fundraising totals higher. Raffle sales hit new highs, with top-tier prizes including a salmon fishing trip in B.C. and a custom-built sauna.
Several contests took place on the course, with low score honours going to:
• Men’s: Kris Hrom (-17)
• Ladies: Ashley Reimer (+1)
• Mixed: Rob Milette (-12)
• Most Honest Golfer: Robert Anderson (+11)
Raffle and contest winners included:
• Jets trip: Kori da Costa
• Fishing package: Victoria Penner
• Liquor Mart $1,000 gift card: Dallas McInnes
• 50/50 winner: Calvin Thiessen ($2,465)
• SCCR fundraising guess: Leslie Bezte ($175,000)
• Domino’s Pizza for a year: Alfred Chan
Hole prize winners included:
• Men’s Long Drive #2: Laurent Benjamin
• Women’s Long Drive #2 and #15: Mazy North
• Men’s Closest to the Pin #6: Tyler Park
• Women’s Closest to the Pin #6: Kaylee Neufeld
• Men’s Long Drive #15: Kiru Griffin
• Longest Putt #16: Darren Pritchard
• Best Dressed: TBD
Pritchard said the feedback from participants is what drives him to keep organizing the event.
“First-time golfers keep telling us this is their favourite tournament of the year,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
Looking ahead, he’s already thinking about how to grow the tournament further and keep it among the largest single-day golf fundraisers in Manitoba.
“If Mike were here today, I think he’d be absolutely honoured to see how many people come out for his event year after year,” Pritchard said. “It means a lot.”
Anyone interested in playing, sponsoring, or volunteering for the 2025 tournament can contact the organizers at pritchardmemorial@gmail.com.
