Why $120 for golf?

As you may well know, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba golf tournament is coming again. Currently all proceeds go to the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard however the ultimate goal is to make this tournament charitable to an organization (i.e. diabetes or spinal cord research). In return for this financial assistance, MPHG organizes the golf tournament.

Over the short 4 year history of this tournament, it's grown from about 50 golfers to 120 last year. We've made efforts to "circulate" this tournament around so Paramedics from different areas would have opportunity to participate / have shorter drives. During this growth and dealing with different courses, we've made mistakes and learned from them.

One of them is how to deal with golf carts. In the past, we've left it to the golfers to reserve and pay for the carts. Unfortunately, this has not worked well and in some circumstances it was PAM / MPHG that were left paying the unpaid bills with golf carts. Due to problems associated with the carts and the extremely high usage of them (almost 100% of golfers), we've decided to include them in this year's fees.

Last year's fees were $85. Change of venue, inflation, and the addition of golf carts & shirts raised the fees by $35 to $120 for early birds. Considering all the additional value given to the golfers, the increase barely covers costs. Contrary to popular belief, the golf tournament registration fees do not provide for much profit (less than $7 per golfer). As attendees have seen in past tournaments, organizations sponsor holes and generous donations are where efficient MPHG funding is done.

PAM and MPHG continue to organize this golf tournament as it is a great way for Paramedics to get together. For those interested in registration information, go to http://www.mphg.ca/PAM%20Golf.htm