It was thought of as a little strange when it began.
But 25 years later, the Flin Flon Kinsmen Club’s Pub Putt has become a fundraising fixture in the community.
Next month marks a quarter-century for the Pub Putt, which raises funds and awareness in the battle against cystic fibrosis.
The Kinsmen first learned of the mini-golf concept from groups in Ontario. Those groups generally hosted their events outdoors, but there was one that used a bar.
“In a bar?” questioned Kinsmen member Bob LeSage.
It was an unusual idea, but the club went with it.
Since that first Pub Putt, the event has brought in thousands of dollars, including $14,000 in a single year.
The event was originally held solely at the Royal Hotel bar. Now golfers start at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch for registration and golf at two other Main Street locations before wrapping up with awards, prizes and a supper.
This year’s Pub Putt will be held May 2. Golfers must raise a minimum of $75 in “green fees,” though LeSage says the higher the donation, the better for the golfer.
Following the mini-putt challenge, golfers are eligible for prizes based on donations collected.
Success
While LeSage doesn’t have a dollar amount in mind this year, he hopes to see the same success the event has experienced in years past.
“I just want everyone to have a good time,” he said. “The more money we raise for cystic fibrosis, the better. It would be really nice to raise a lot of money.”
LeSage says the Kinsmen and other golfers have raised anywhere from $2,000 to $14,000 in a single day for the cause.
“It’s nice to get as much as we can,” he said.
The Pub Putt is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, and requires zero golf skill. Math isn’t even a requirement as the Kinsmen gladly help with scorecards.
“The score really doesn’t mean anything,” said LeSage, who adds that course marshals often choose the score a golfer will receive. “It’s really about the pledges.”
In years past the event has had between 25 and 50 participating golfers.
LeSage says one of the changes he has noticed relate to the groups coming through the doors to register.
“Last year we had a lot of nurses and teachers and they had a really good time,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of different ages come through.”
Though pleased with the variety of ages, LeSage says he really likes to see new faces.
Golfers can register as part of a group or as individuals.
“You don’t have to be a foursome,” LeSage said. “Just show up either yourself, as a twosome or threesome and we’ll put you in a group.”
Registration for Pub Putt will be at the Legion on May 2 starting at 12:30 pm. Golfers are required to submit a minimum of $75 for their green fee, which includes supper, drink tickets at each of the three locations and the chance to win prizes.
Pledge forms can be obtained from any Kinsmen member.
