Golfers traded daylight for glowing fairways and illuminated golf balls as a popular MacGregor fundraiser returned to the course, bringing the community together in support of its fire department.
About 70 golfers participated in the MacGregor Fire Department’s annual night golf event this year. Fire Chief Chris Leckie says organizers were pleased with the turnout and the support received from volunteers, sponsors, and the community.
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“It was very well represented. The course looked great, everybody seemed to have a great time, and a big shout out to our sponsors for all their assistance and all the firefighters for all their work,” says Leckie.
A final fundraising total is not yet available because organizers are still waiting for invoices and bills to arrive. Leckie expects the results to be roughly in line with previous years, depending on expenses and the number of golfers participating. Last year’s event raised approximately $3,000.
Fundraiser supports fire equipment
Proceeds from the event are directed toward equipment for the fire department.
“All the funds raised go to updating fire equipment for the MacGregor Fire Department,” notes Leckie. “That’s where all our fundraising funds go, to help buy equipment that we feel is required.”
No specific purchase has been selected as the next priority. Leckie says members will discuss the department’s needs before deciding where the money can best be used.
2024 scene of some Glow Golf participants
Changing requirements also mean the department continually has to consider equipment upgrades.
“We haven’t really discussed too much. We’ll leave that up to our fire department members to see what we require and have a good discussion around our group to decide what’s next on our list,” explains Leckie. “There are always changing codes for fire departments to keep their equipment upgraded, so there’s always a list.”
Golf course takes on a glow
For someone accustomed to playing golf during daylight hours, the event offers a much different experience.
Each participant receives a glowing golf ball, while the entire nine hole MacGregor course is decorated and illuminated. Caution areas and yard markers are also made visible for players moving around the course after dark.
“What we do is everybody gets a glow ball, and they use this ball around the whole course,” says Leckie. “We decorate the entire nine hole course in MacGregor so that it’s illuminated for everybody to see out there. We mark our caution areas and yard markers, and it’s basically golf at night.”
Even the golf balls have become more sophisticated over the years.
Older versions required a glow stick to be inserted into the ball. The department now uses balls that can be switched on and off using a cellphone and provide up to 20 hours of play time.
Participants can also choose from four colours.
The department has gradually invested in more equipment to transform the course. Leckie says flagsticks that were once decorated with glow sticks have been replaced by fully illuminated versions.
“Years ago, we used to just put glow sticks on our current flagsticks, but we upgraded to a full glow stick,” adds Leckie. “We take the old poles out and put these ones in. They look really good, the course looked great, and we’re sure lucky to have great sponsors. That community support is huge.”
Some additional glow equipment was added this year, giving the department equipment that can be reused at future events.
Leckie says the firefighters appreciate the golfers, sponsors, and others who continue to support the fundraiser.
“We’d just like to thank everybody who came out and supported us that night, and we’re looking forward to it in future years,” he says.