You can't get much more Canadian than golfing on ice — even on St. Patrick's Day.
Volunteers for Pigeon Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce are laying the fairways for the Pigeon Lake Ice Golf Tournament.
"This event has been going on for almost three decades at Pigeon Lake," said special projects coordinator Becky Soch. "The course is plowed out and drawn out by local volunteers who have been doing it for years.
"They dig out the course and create the landscape to make it look like a golf course."
A tradition since 1995, the ice golf tournament serves as a major fundraiser for the chamber. Proceeds from the annual tournament are used to allow access to the chamber's many talks and workshops held through the year for businesses and individuals unable to cover the costs of attending them.
An example of the types of talks the chamber uses the funds raised by the annual tournament include a talk scheduled in the coming weeks on how to cope with the ongoing threat of tariffs from the United States through the Leduc Chamber of Commerce.
"Funds get used for supporting local initiatives," she said. "The chamber hosts many luncheons and other events and this money helps offset some of the costs so we can provide a good discount for community members to come and learn more about certain topics.
"It's so we can not exclude anyone who can't afford to come."
But at its heart, the ice golf tournament is all about having fun, and Soch said people go all out.
In past events, residents have pulled boats along the ice with ATVs and held costume contests. Many golfers come out in full green, making an ode to St. Patrick's Day, which is usually held around the same time.
Soch said all golfers receive 3 brightly coloured balls and would only need three clubs to complete the course. Teams will play Texas scramble rules to move golfers along the chilly afternoon. Closest to the pin, hole in one and other contests will be held at each hole. Sponsors will be on hand to provide swag, food and other prizes.
Following the tournament, a dinner and dance is planned at Mulhurst Bay Community Hall on 3802-50th Ave. A shuttle service and safe ride home service are provided to participants free of charge.
Noting she expected the event to sell out soon, Soch said tickets would be available up to the last day before the tournament if needed, though the tournament had a top capacity of 144 people. Tickets are $100 plus GST for the whole party or $45 plus GST for the dinner and dance.
"We're at about 130 people and we usually get a whole bunch of registration in the last week, so we're expecting a sell-out right away," she said. "In the past we have accepted people right up to the tournament and just kind of fit them in."
Soch thanked the event sponsors and volunteers, notably Muddy Boots Landscaping for clearing out the Fairways and the 4H Renegade Riders for doing the clean-up.
Visit https://business.yourchamber.ca/chamber-events/Details/2025-pigeon-lake-ice-golf-tournament-1233953 to register.
