Thursday’s Lions Golf Tournament needs players

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 Thursday at the Canyon Lake Country Club and Golf Course and there is still time to sign up. All are invited to participate.

“We hope you will join us for a day of golf, a chance to win a brand-new Prestige golf cart, a banquet with cash bar, and a great raffle,” Jeff Jordan, the club’s director of public affairs, said. “As happened last year, all proceeds will go to Guide Dogs of the Desert. This non-profit provides guide dogs to the blind at no charge. The real gift is the mobility and independence it gives the person in need.”

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.

The Prestige 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.

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.

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.

“Check-in time will be 10:30 a.m.,” Jordan said. “This will give you time for a leisurely warm-up and a chance to win a prize in our putting contest. Hope to see you there. We Lions promise a fun time for a great cause.”