The Darren McClelland Memorial Golf Classic reached a new milestone Friday as the annual fundraiser welcomed its largest field ever at the Elmwood Golf Club.
A total of 39 teams and 157 golfers took part in the event, which supports the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation, Swift Current EMS and the Swift Current Fire Department.
Five years after the tournament was renamed in memory of the late Fire Chief of the Swift Current Fire Department Darren McClelland, organizers say community support continues to grow.
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Organizers stand together for the opening remarks at the tournament.
“It’s humbling,” said Nicole McClelland, Darren’s widow. “It’s a great feeling to know. I think maybe Darren’s name behind this brought everybody together and more people want to be involved.”
Captain Kent Silbernagel of the Swift Current Fire Department said the tournament has steadily evolved into one of the area’s most anticipated golf events.
“It’s always been a good time, but it’s evolved into this great event and it’s one of the ones that everyone marks on their calendar,” he said.
Largest field in tournament history
The event featured 39 four-person teams, making it the largest tournament field since the fundraiser began.
Organizers also adjusted the course layout by splitting two holes into par threes, creating a 20-hole format designed to help keep play moving throughout the day.
Helen Arnold, interim executive director of the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation, said demand for spots remained exceptionally high.
“It was literally 15 minutes,” Arnold said of this year’s registration period.
She believes the tournament’s popularity comes from both its place on the local golf calendar and the community’s connection to McClelland.
“Since we made it a memorial to Darren McClelland, the popularity has grown,” Arnold said. “We’ve had people come from far and wide to participate in the tournament, even firefighters from other cities.”
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Proceeds support cancer care and emergency services
Funds raised through the tournament are shared between the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation, Swift Current EMS and the Swift Current Fire Department.
Arnold said the foundation’s portion is dedicated to cancer care initiatives in memory of McClelland.
“All funds that are raised at this tournament go towards the cancer unit in memory of Darren,” she said.
After tournament expenses are covered, proceeds are divided equally among the three organizations.
Darren’s legacy continues to bring people together
For McClelland’s family and friends, the event remains a meaningful opportunity to honour someone who was deeply involved in both the tournament and the community.
“He wouldn’t miss this day for anything,” Silbernagel said, recalling how McClelland participated even while undergoing cancer treatments.
Nicole McClelland said the event remains both emotional and rewarding.
“It’s bittersweet for me because every year you see all the people that you love and care for, and that care for us,” she said.
Organizers say as long as community support continues, the tournament will continue carrying Darren McClelland’s memory forward for years to come.
“In Darren’s memory, we will keep it going as long as we can as possible,” Silbernagel said. “He would love it.”