The Monumental Tournament of Aces is set to tee off October 4 at The Links of Gleneagles in Cochrane, but organizers say it could be the last year for the unique fundraiser.
Now in its 18th year, the event transforms the traditional golf tournament into a hunt for hole-in-ones. Every hole is shortened to a par three with three pins, and golfers take three shots at each one. There’s also a golf carnival with quirky games like hitting a gong, landing a ball on a floating green, or even taking aim at mannequins dressed as Edmonton Oilers and Saskatchewan Roughriders fans.
“It’s not a tournament where you’re trying to score,” explained Kelly Kimmett, director of the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation. “You’re trying to make a hole-in-one, so your likelihood of making one is much higher.”
The event has raised $1.5 million over the years for local and international causes, while contributing another $325,000 to the local economy through tournament expenses. This year’s proceeds will support the Cochrane and Area Health Foundation’s effort to purchase a new x-ray machine for urgent care, as well as upgrades at the Cochrane Public Library.
The tournament, created in 2007 to honour Kimmett’s daughter Lindsay, has become a Cochrane tradition.
“We expected it would kind of be a one-time thing with friends,” Kimmett said. “And it’s built into this over the years.”
The 2024 edition will feature a Wild West theme, a throwback to 2013, with participants encouraged to dress in western gear, minus cowboy boots on the greens.
RELATED STORIES:
- Brotherhood on ice: 50 years of hockey with the Ranchmen
- Gallery: Kimmett Cup raises spirits and funds in 16th annual tournament
- $1.25M raised since annual Monumental Tournament of Aces began
- Proceeds from Grandma Kimmett garage sale will benefit the community
But this year also marks a turning point. The Rotary Club of Cochrane, which has co-hosted for the past 12 years, is stepping back. Without a new partner, the 2025 event could be the last.
“If another group doesn’t step forward to partner with us or to take it over completely, then this will be the final year,” Kimmett said. “It’s a good fundraising vehicle and it’s very popular, but it’s too much for just our family to organize.”
To register, sponsor, or donate, visit gleneaglesgolf.com.