From the Pitch to the Golf Course
RUGBY CANADA PRESENTS THE REDTAIL GOLF EXPERIENCE
Written by: Chris Perrotte
The 4th Annual Redtail Golf Experience, organized by Rugby Canada, will be held at the Redtail Golf Course located in Port Stanley, Ontario on September 21, 2017. Rugby players, supporters, and donors alike take off their proverbial cleats and put on some golf shoes to help raise money for the game they love.
Also in attendance will be the following rugby “family” members: Gareth Rees, World Rugby Hall of Fame member and Rugby Canada alumni, and Al Charron, Rugby Canada Hall of Fame member. This promises to be another great event.
“The reason we host this event is to raise funds to support rugby programs through Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario," says Penny Kroll, Senior Manager, Fund Development & Community Relations at Rugby Canada.
Rugby Canada organizes many programs from camps to clinics throughout the year to give rugby enthusiasts an opportunity to participate in events and support this diverse, fast paced, and high-spirited game. While most of their fundraising initiatives go toward the Men’s and Women's national teams, Rugby Canada hosts events to continue to grow the game on a grassroots level. A grassroots program is designed to introduce boys and girls to the game of rugby. Helping them grow in the sport, sparking their interest in the game, with the hope that they will one day want to play for our Canadian national rugby teams.
In May 2017, Rugby Canada held a Players Championship Golf Tournament at the King’s Riding Golf Club. The proceeds from the Players Championship Golf Tournament was donated to the Rookie Rugby grassroots program.
Since the first Redtail Golf Experience in 2014, the number of participants has grown from 20 to 32 this year. Those who sign up to be part of the 4th Annual Redtail Golf Experience will receive 18 holes of golf, a buffet lunch and dinner, and a private concert by David James, Country music artist (and Canada's own).
In addition, golfers will have the opportunity to participate in a midnight putting contest and stay overnight in one of the guest rooms at the Redtail Golf Course. Every golfer will walk away from this experience with memorable moments they can share of playing on an exclusive course.
This golf tournament is very important to Rugby Canada.
“It’s a great networking opportunity for those that participate, but most of all, a way to raise funds to support rugby in Canada,” says Kroll.
When it comes to networking in the rugby community, the most consistent phrase I have encountered on my educational journey through the history of rugby is the term “family”. There is a bond that is formed on the pitch and continues off the pitch. Rugby Canada receives support from many different rugby enthusiasts to make this tournament a great success.
“One of the things that I would consider most rewarding is how close-knit the rugby community is,” Kroll explains. She has been with Rugby Canada for seven years. “It’s comparable to being one large extended family. No matter what team you play for, everyone looks out for one another, and if someone is in need, their rugby family is there to support them.”
This most rewarding aspect of Penny Kroll's career with Rugby Canada.
The Redtail Golf Experience will be a “family” experience like no other.
