ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Those looking to take part in a good round of golf will soon have that chance in June thanks to the Liberal Chamber of Commerce.
The 2024 Chamber of Commerce Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament will be Saturday, June 15, with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. that morning, and everything will take place at Willow Tree Golf Course at 1800 W. 15th Street. The tournament is a four-person scramble format and lunch will be provided. Anyone can enter a team, with the cost being $500 per team, and that includes up to two carts, and anyone wanting to sign up a team needs to contact the Liberal Chamber of Commerce office at (620) 624-3855. There will also be 10 hole prizes, cash payouts for multiple flights, and people can register for this year's tournament by calling the Chamber of Commerce office or emailing
Liberal Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rozelle Webb said there is a lot to be excited about with this year’s tournament.
“We always have a lot of fun at these tournaments, and we're going to be giving away a lot of prizes. The tournament's always typically a pleasant day for everyone, and it's a fun time to get out with friends for a round of golf and also help the Chamber of Commerce since this is a big fundraiser for us. As far as the number of teams, there's not really a limit, we make any necessary adjustments based on the number of team sign-ups we get – last year, we had 36 teams, and that worked out really well. But if we have more teams, we might just have to make it a longer day so everyone can get a round in.”
Sponsorships are also being accepted, with a Gold Sponsorship costing $300 (and includes a sign at one of the golf holes the chance to offer refreshments, and a banner); and a Platinum Sponsorship is $600 and includes a sign at the hole, the chance to offer refreshments, a banner, and one team registration. Webb said those sponsorships are very beneficial.
“It's always a great way to get your business's name out there in the community, and we do a lot of advertising beforehand and will include all the sponsor businesses in all of that advertising, so it's just a good way to get the word out,” Webb said. “Like with the team sign-ups, any business wanting to be a sponsor just needs to get in touch with us at the Chamber of Commerce office – we'll get you all signed up and give you the details of where to set up and all the logistical stuff. We can also email entry forms to people if necessary and help them fill it out.”
The tournament is still somewhat new to the area, and Webb said every year has been successful.
“Our first tournament, we were EXTREMELY surprised with how many teams we had signed up, and we were really happy with how that started out,” Webb said. “Turnout's increased a little bit each year, which we're also really happy about. It's a lot of fun hosting this event, and it's neat to have all the different businesses out there on the course and seeing all the different banners and signs and all of that. We've already gotten multiple calls and emails asking about the tournament, which is great, so I'm expecting we'll have several teams signed up for this year, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the course. And if you want to come and be a spectator and/or a volunteer, we'll be more than happy to see you.”
Webb said the tournament is a lot of fun to host.
“One of the best things about the tournament is how the guys out at the course make everything go so smoothly and make everything a lot of fun. And in the past six years we've hosted this tournament, no one's complained about any of the prizes we've given out, everyone's been really happy with them,” Webb said. “The golfers always tell us what a great time they have at the tournament, and that's something else that really makes this tournament worth it. And just like with our other events, you don't have to be a Chamber member to participate, anyone can put a team together for this time around. I really enjoy watching all the golfers come out and have fun, that's the best part. I'm not a golfer myself, so it's great seeing the golfers enjoy the day and the game.”
Webb said she hopes to continue the tournament’s success for this year’s event.
“We would appreciate everyone getting signed up by at least the week before the tournament, but we will take late entries. But in order to get all the paperwork done and get everything set up, we'd like to have everyone signed up ahead of time so we can plan accordingly,” Webb said. “If you get signed up sooner rather than later, you'll be more guaranteed a spot, and it really helps us as far as organization and getting everything put together. We'll be giving out some great prizes, and it'll be worth it to come out and have fun with all the other golfers who will be out there. Anyone who wants to put together a team is more than welcome to do so, we'd love to see a bunch of golfers out on the course. Like I said before, I always enjoy watching how things turn out from that day and we're looking forward to another great tournament this year.”
