Every golf tournament has a few people who are already in before the poster is even finished.
They have their team picked, clubs cleaned and lots of golf rounds planned before the tournament.
Then there’s everyone else. The casual golfers. The once-a-year golfers. The “I think own clubs, but I’m not totally sure where they are” golfers. The hockey fans who like the idea of supporting the Eagles but aren’t sure if a golf tournament is their scene.
If that sounds like you, this blog is for you.
The Innisfail Eagles Blades & Birdies Golf Tournament is back Thursday, July 9th at the Innisfail Golf Club, and if you’re wondering whether you should register, let’s clear up a few of your questions here.
Do you have to be a good golfer?
No. Helpful? Sure. Required? Absolutely not.
Blades & Birdies is a Texas Scramble, which means everyone on your team hits, then you pick the best shot and go from there. It is one of the most forgiving golf formats ever created. So you don't need four great golfers. You just need four people who can have a good time, keep things moving, and maybe contribute one heoic shot somewhere along the way.
If your golf game is more “keep your head down and hope” than “tour ready,” you’ll fit right in.
Is this actually a golf tournament or just hockey on grass?
It’s mostly golf, with a dash of hockey in the best possible way.
Blades & Birdies brings some Eagles personality to the course, but it is still very much a golf tournament. There will be traditional contests, proximity prizes, a putting contest, great sponsor holes, and plenty of reasons to keep your scorecard close.
There are also two $20,000 hole-in-one contests, sponsored by Dick’s Trucking and Origin Partners.
In either case there’s still a real chance to walk away with bragging rights, prizes, or at the very least, one story your group will exaggerate by the banquet.
Your registration includes the pub night the evening before, a light breakfast, your round of golf, food and drink at select holes, tournament contests, the banquet, silent auction, prizes, and the full Blades & Birdies experience.
In other words, it’s not just a golf day. It’s an Eagles event wrapped around a round of golf for a great day on the course, and a casual way to support the team.
Is this only for Eagles players, alumni, sponsors, and hardcore fans?
No. You definitely do not need to be able to name the entire Eagles roster from 1978.
We love having Eagles players, alumni, sponsors, and longtime fans involved, but this tournament is for the whole community.
You can register if you’re a local business, a group of friends, a family team, a casual golfer, a hockey fan, or someone who simply likes the idea of taking a Thursday in July and turning it into a day on the links.
Is it worth taking a Thursday off?
We’re obviously biased, but yes. This is the perfect excuse to do that, especially since the Innisfail Eagles are heading into their 80th season, and events like this help keep us going strong and stay connected to the people who support us.
It’s one Thursday. Your inbox will survive!
What if my team is not very competitive?
The beauty of this tournament is that it works for both groups: the teams that want to win and the teams that are mostly there for the day, the food, the laughs, and the chance to say they “almost had it” on a $20,000 hole-in-one attempt. There's even a "most honest" prize so the number on the score prize isn't the only way to win.
Anyone can purchase mulligans to redo shots along away, and just by doing that, you're entered into prize draws.
So… is Blades & Birdies for you?
If you like golf, yes.
If you like hockey, yes.
If you like supporting local community events, yes.
Don't overthink it!
Just get some fun friends together and join the team for a day on the greens.
Blades & Birdies Golf Tournament
Thursday, July 9th
Innisfail Golf Club
$175 per golfer