The Astra Estates golf course was bustling with activity on Saturday morning during the Norway Bay Municipal Association’s (NBMA) annual golf tournament. The event drew community members together for a day of golf, food, and camaraderie, all in support of local summertime programming for kids in the community.
The tournament, a staple in the Norway Bay community, has grown in popularity over the years.
“We’ve been sponsoring the NBMA for quite some time,” said John Edelman, co-owner of Astra Estates. “They’re a big part of our clientele, and they’re a lot of our members, so we’re always supportive of their events.”
The event featured a scramble format, making it accessible and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Val Thompson, who is new to the sport, enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.
“It’s really well organized and very congenial,” Thompson said. “I signed up alone, but they put me with lovely people.”
Beth McGahern, one of the directors for the NBMA’s social committee and one of . . .
the organizers of the event, explained the golf tournament is organized every year to help raise money used to run the association’s summer activities for kids in the community.
“We organize events to provide activities mostly for children,” McGahern said. “Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tennis, and field sports are all part of our summer programming.”
In addition to the tournament itself, Astra Estates hosted a barbecue lunch, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and fries.
The golf course also sponsored prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin, adding a competitive edge to the friendly event. “It’s important for us to support these events,” said Jodi Armstrong, co-owner of Astra Estates. “We believe in supporting those that support us.”
Tom Bothwell, a golfer participating at the event with his son, explained he joined the tournament because his children participate in the NBMA’s summer activities and thought this would be a great way to support them.
“It’s for the kids,” Bothwell said, noting he’s grateful for the summer programming which he feels offers “a sense of freedom for all the kids.”
Bothwell explained the golf course holds a lot of history for him. He used to work at the golf course back when he was an adolescent, and his grandfather used to run the golf course in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
The winners of this year’s event who will get their names engraved on the trophy are Martin Fournel, Jesse Boucher and Molebatsi Ntema.
The NBMA is already looking ahead to future events, including an open mic night and the highly anticipated regatta dance.
