Much more than golf at this Summer Games-themed tournament

It’s a golf tournament — with a twist. 

The 2023 Alberta Summer Games, which are coming to Okotoks and Black Diamond next July, are hosting a tourney next month where players will be hitting shots with more than just golf clubs. 

“It's a different kind of golf tournament, that’s for sure,” Darren Stuber, director of Friends of the Games, said about the upcoming Whack the Rock Golf Fundraiser, set for Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Crystal Ridge Golf Club. 

The nine-hole tournament will feature one specialty shot per hole using equipment from the 14 sports that will be contested at the Games. 

“The tee shot on the first hole might be an opening (football) kick-off for example or maybe on hole number two you’re putting with a kayak paddle rather than a putter,” Stuber said of the various pieces of sports equipment that will be incorporated into the round. 

He said the specialty shot could come on the tee, fairway or green, using everything from a rugby ball to a lacrosse stick. Organizers have yet to decide how to incorporate the various sports and are hoping those not included within the nine holes will be featured elsewhere on the course, including on the putting green. 

“It’s a little bit of a different spin intended to really showcase some of the events within the Games, so people get familiar with what’s involved with the Alberta Summer Games,” Stuber said. 

Beyond the specialty shot on each hole, foursomes will play regular golf in a best ball format. 

The tournament is modelled after Dude Perfect’s “All Sports Golf Battle at the Masters” that saw golf pro Bryson DeChambeau join YouTubers to play Amen Corner at Augusta National using Frisbees, baseball bats, pool cues and more. 

Stuber said the golf course was concerned about the amount of time it would take to play nine holes using nothing but sports equipment, so it was decided to have just one specialty shot per hole for Whack the Rock. 

The tourney will be a 1 p.m. shotgun start and the field is limited to 18 foursomes. After the round will feature a baron of beef or chicken dinner, prizes, entertainment and a silent auction. 

Entry fee is $180 per person or $648 for a foursome. Registration can be done at 2023asg.com. To volunteer, sponsor or donate an auction item, email [email protected]. 

The golf tournament is the first of several fundraising events, with plans for a dinner this fall and a concert next spring. 

The 2023 Alberta Summer Games will see over 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials descend on Okotoks and Black Diamond for four days next summer.