Burnstick to entertain at Dakota Dunes golf tournament

A few changes are in store for an annual fundraising tournament that will once again be staged at Saskatchewan’s Dakota Dunes Golf Links.

As in previous years, proceeds from the May 26 event at the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, will go to the Dakota Dunes’ junior golf program.

During the past four years tournament chairman Ernie Scoles had organized the event through the fine arts and framing store that he owns.

But this year it is being organized by the Dakota Dunes Mens/Ladies League, a circuit that Scoles also holds the title of president.

Another change to the tournament is that its date has been pushed back from mid-May to later in the month.
“This year we put it at the end of May, hoping for some better weather,” Scoles said.

In 2010 just over half of the participants who had registered for the tournament showed up due to some frost on the course.

“It was just a bad weather day,” Scoles said, adding the event was eventually held, albeit with a later than anticipated start time.

This year’s event can accommodate 144 golfers. The tournament will feature two-person teams, competing in a scramble format. Entrants can also choose which category to enter as there will be two divisions; a Jack and Jill Flight and a Championship Flight.

Despite last year’s weather uncertainties, Scoles said this event has usually attracted a fair number of golfers.
“We’re one of the first tournaments (of the season) so that always helps,” he said.

Besides Saskatchewan, the event has annually also attracted some golfers from Manitoba. And for the first time this year there will be some participants from Alberta.

“We haven’t really been marketing hard for this yet,” Scoles added. “But teams have been calling us.”

No doubt playing at Dakota Dunes is appealing for many of the tournament participants.

One of the sport’s leading publications, Golf Digest, had named the facility as the best new course in Canada in 2005.

Since the tournament’s inception, entertainment at the event has been provided by popular Aboriginal comedian Don Burnstick.

“He’s a major help to this tournament,” Scoles said. “We basically call him a sponsor for the event because of what he brings to it.”

The registration fee for the tournament, which includes a steak dinner at the Dakota Dunes Casino, is $175 per person. Those wanting more information can call Scoles at (306) 934-2688 or (306) 280-2876.