Lions Club Golf Tournament to benefit Guide Dogs of the Desert

The annual Canyon Lake Lions Club’s annual golf tournament is not just about playing golf. Proceeds from the tournament will be given to Guide Dogs of the Desert, which will greatly help blind people to gain their independence and mobility by receiving a future guide dog.

The tournament will take place on June 8 at the Canyon Lake Country Club and Golf Course and all are invited to participate. There are two formats, which will appeal to whatever type of golfer the entrants are.

Golfers with a handicap can choose a pro­ am event.

Three amateurs will pair with a club-pro in a two best ball format. Or, golfers with or without a handicap who are just looking for a fun round of golf can choose a four-person scramble.

A new golf cart is up for grabs in the Hole in One Contest. Another contest will take place on Hole 15 where, after making a $5.00 donation, anyone landing in one of two circles at the hole in one shot will receive $25.00 for landing in the large circle or $50.00 for landing in a smaller circle.

Photo provided by Guide Dogs of the Desert

Additionally, the tournament will include a putting contest and a long-drive contest for men and women. Lastly, there will be a closest to the pin contest for both women and men. Details about these various contests will be provided to players the day of the tournament.

Sign ups will be taken at the Canyon Lake Golf Pro Shop or by contacting golf pro Pat Kemble at the Pro Shop. Green fees are $75.00 for members and $113.00 for non members and will include a banquet and awards. Cart fees are $15.00. The registration deadline is May 26 for those playing with a pro and June 1 for all others.

Sponsorships are also being sought for tee signs, green signs, longest drive and putting contest venues. For sponsorship information, contact Dave Birkett at 951-445-2754 or Tina Visser at 928-846-2542.

Guide Dogs of the Desert is a non-profit facility located in Whitewater. The charity provides custom-trained guide dogs at no cost to the blind and visually impaired. Once a student is matched with a guide dog, they attend a 28-day training course where they learn all the aspects of living and working with their new guide dog.

Guide Dogs of the Desert has matched over 1,000 dog teams and are continually working on additional matches. They have been serving the blind community for over 50 years.