Rain Can’t Dampen Spirits at the 14th Annual Dalhousie and Tuns Alumni Golf Tournament
Despite Mother Nature's persistence, the 14th Annual Dalhousie and TUNS Alumni Golf Tournament emerged as a resounding success, uniting alumni and dedicated student volunteers for a day filled with camaraderie and fundraising in support of various engineering societies at Dalhousie University's Sexton Campus. The event, hosted at the beautiful Glen Arbour golf course located in Hammonds Plains, NS, provided a platform for alumni to discover the opportunities these societies offer to Dal Eng students.
The day started with breakfast and opening remarks from Dr. Yi Liu, the current acting Dean of Engineering. There were breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and coffee, the perfect way to fuel up for the eventful day ahead.
This year, eight societies proudly represented the school, including Dal Solar Car, Dalhousie’s Engineering Brigades, and Women in Engineering (WIE). Volunteers from these groups greeted the golfers with warm smiles despite the persistent rain, setting up information tables at the tee-off blocks. They engaged with alumni in meaningful conversations, shedding light on the invaluable contributions of these engineering societies while also hearing about career opportunities from the teams of alumni. The students' involvement extended beyond spreading awareness. They eagerly undertook the responsibility of selling raffle tickets to the teams navigating the course throughout the day. The funds generated from these raffles will be disbursed among the participating groups, bolstering their ongoing efforts and enabling them to continue making a significant impact on campus.
The day's festivities revolved around 18 holes of friendly golf, catering to golfers of diverse skill levels, ranging from beginners to seasoned players. For many, the day transcended the confines of the scorecard; it was about relishing a memorable day out on the course.
The tournament adopted a scramble format, where players tee off one at a time. Subsequently, the team collectively decides which drive offers the most advantageous position to continue from. This marked point becomes the starting point for each member's next stroke, regardless of their original ball placement. The process repeats until the team achieves their best score. Since only the team's best score was recorded, the tournament emphasized collective effort over individual performance. Playing in a scramble alleviates some of the stress for individual golfers, allowing for an occasional bad shot while making for a more fun and collaborative game.
To wrap up the day, golfers and volunteers gathered for a delicious buffet-style meal, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day's events and shared experiences. The eagerly anticipated raffle prize draw followed, bringing even more excitement to the day. Winners walked away with prizes such as golf balls, Dalhousie Engineering merchandise, and even a Sony Bluetooth speaker.
Rain and fog may have posed a challenge on the green, but everyone’s spirits remained undamped. The 14th Annual Dalhousie and TUNS Alumni Golf Tournament highlighted the strength of community bonds and the generosity of its participants. It was also a chance for students to showcase their gratitude and Dal Eng pride. With another successful tournament in the books, society members and golfers alike look forward to next year, where they will continue to make a positive impact and strengthen the connections between students and alumni.