The 2025 F.U.B.A.R. Golf Classic returns to Guildford course on Aug. 24

It’s 15 years and counting for a charity golf tournament that has grown in Surrey after first struggling to get off the ground.

Every August, the Friends United Beyond All Race (F.U.B.A.R.) Golf Classic is played at Guildford Golf & Country Club, where the “best ball” tourney takes place again on Sunday, Aug. 24 in support of Make-A-Wish Canada BC & Yukon Chapter.

Event planning is led by Surrey resident Al Lamons, aka DJ Alibaba, known for playing music at parties and events across Metro Vancouver over the past few decades.

“About 15 years ago,” Lamons says, “my partner Felix Banting and I started hosting the (tournament) at Guildford Golf & Country Club, thanks to then-GM Brian Mossop and the support of the owners, Corey and the Anderson family, who’ve continued to allow us to carry on the tradition.”

“The golf tournament began as a way for us to transition from our nightlife events, like the legendary and original F.U.B.A.R. Long Weekend Parties, and to use our platform to do something positive. We saw an opportunity to give back to the community through charity.”

At first they faced a lot of rejection when approaching established charities.

“Many felt we weren’t big enough or didn’t want to be associated with our brand,” Lamons recalled. “That changed the day I walked into Make-A-Wish Canada BC & Yukon Chapter and met Kim Heron. From the moment we spoke, there was a connection, and she welcomed the partnership. Since then, we’ve proudly supported (Make-A-Wish) through the golf tournament, our Friends United Beyond All Race F.U.B.A.R. Roller Jam, Splashdown waterpark family days, and various glow party events I’ve hosted at venues where I DJ.”

The first F.U.B.A.R. Golf Classic involved just 24 players, “mostly friends of Felix,” Lamons said. “From those humble beginnings, we’ve grown into something truly special, all thanks to the unwavering support of our family, friends, and extended community.”

Lamons, who has lived in the Chimney Heights area of Newton for 24 years, currently DJs in Richmond on Friday nights at The Flying Beaver, Saturday nights at Milltown Bar & Grill, and hosts VanCity Soul Skate on the third Sunday of every month (October to May), at the PNE. He also DJs corporate events and weddings, works with City Dream Centre and volunteers at Relate Church in Surrey, on initiatives including food hampers, back-to-school supply drives and counselling services.

Registration deadline is Thursday, Aug. 14 for this year’s F.U.B.A.R. Golf Classic. Details are posted on friendsunitedbeyondallrace.com, or visit facebook.com/FriendsUnitedBeyondAllRaceTM.

“Friends United Beyond All Race has always been a small, independent, community-based organization, powered by friendships and relationships,” Lamons says. “Some key people who’ve been with us since day one include Melanie Hopkins (who guided me when I had no idea how to run a tournament), my business partner Vera Friesen, Kary Blaney, Cara Watts, my Delta Orioles Social Club teammates, BJ Mechanical, and my good friend Sean Ramjagsingh from EA Sports, who has gone as far as giving private EA tours for Wish families.”