WATA Golf Outing 2023: A Day of Fun, Support, and Golf
Posted by [email protected] on Aug. 6, 2023 / Subscribe 0
WATA Golf Outing 2023: A Day of Fun, Support, and Golf
On Thursday, July 27th, 2023, the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Association (WATA) hosted its highly anticipated third annual golf outing at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, WI. After a brief five-year hiatus, the event returned with a bang, attracting fourteen teams of enthusiastic golfers from across the state. The day was filled with camaraderie, exciting contests, and a commitment to furthering the athletic training profession in Wisconsin. Let's take a closer look at the memorable moments and initiatives that made this year's WATA Golf Outing a grand success.
A Beautiful Day at The Oaks:
With The Oaks Golf Course providing a picturesque backdrop, the stage was set for an unforgettable day. The weather, although predicted to be one of the hottest of the summer, couldn't dampen the spirits of the participants. To help them beat the heat, the organizers thoughtfully prepared gift bags containing Gatorade, Gatorade towels, and can koozies, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
Supporting a Worthy Cause:
The primary purpose of this year’s golf outing was to raise funds for scholarships, research grants, and the Political Action Committee (PAC) fund. The PAC fund plays a vital role in fostering relationships with legislators and advancing the recognition of athletic trainers in Wisconsin. One of the newest additions to the event was the "50/50 Putt for the PAC" contest held on the practice green. Golfers had the chance to double their entries into the 50/50 contest by attempting a challenging putt. This effort marked the beginning of WATA's PAC Fundrive, and participants were eager to show their support for the cause.
Friendly Competition and Exciting Contests:
As the golfers gathered on the course, they were divided into teams for a scramble-style game. Before the 9 am shotgun start, WATA President Keith Owsley addressed the teams, creating an atmosphere of excitement and friendly competition. Throughout the day, various events like the longest putt, longest drive in the fairway, and closest to the pin were held, with both men's and women's categories. These contests added an extra layer of fun to the already enjoyable golf outing.
Gracious Sponsors:
The success of the WATA Golf Outing would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors. The event welcomed sixteen hole sponsors, including well-known names like Henry Schein, Corectection Products LLC, Herzing University, Stryker, Mueller Sports Medicine, Medco Sports Medicine, and Enovis. Local sponsors like Children’s Wisconsin, Midwest Orthopedic Specialty, University of Wisonsin - La Crosse, Bellin Titletown Sports Orthopedics, Twin Cities Orthopedics/Revo Health, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Orthopedic and Spine Centers of Wisconsin, Marshfield Clinic, and Trampf Consulting Industrial Sports Medicine also played a significant role in making the event a grand success. Their presence and contributions were greatly appreciated by all participants.
Lunch and Prize Ceremonies:
As the golfers completed their rounds, they returned to the clubhouse to find relief from the heat. A delicious lunch buffet awaited them, featuring dishes like Italian pasta salad, baked beans, pulled pork, grilled chicken sandwiches, and cookies. And to add to the enjoyment, the complimentary keg of Spotted Cow beer, a Wisconsin favorite, was connected to the tap for the golfers to enjoy.
After lunch, the first, second, and third-place teams were announced, with prizes awarded to each team. The winners reveled in their achievements, and all participants shared laughter and camaraderie, relishing the bonds forged during the day.
Raffles and Lasting Memories:
The day's excitement didn't end with the golf game; raffles provided one last opportunity for fun and surprise. From Wisconsin Badgers and University of Stevens Point apparel to outdoor gear and golf-related prizes, the raffle prizes were a hit among the attendees. The winners walked away with tangible mementos of the day, cherishing the memories of the event for years to come.
The 2023 WATA Golf Outing was an exceptional event that brought together athletic trainers from across Wisconsin to enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie, and support for their profession. The success of the event, with all proceeds going to scholarships, research grants, and the PAC fund, showcased the dedication and passion of the athletic training community. As the day concluded, everyone left with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that they had contributed to the advancement of athletic training in Wisconsin. With the promise of more opportunities to participate in legislative efforts and further support from sponsors, the WATA Golf Outing will undoubtedly continue to thrive and leave a positive impact on the profession for years to come.
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