The first annual Reid Davidson Memorial golf tourney aced its inaugural round at Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay.
Staged on July 13, the event was held in memory of Davidson, a 24-year-old soccer player and Vancouver Island University grad who was killed in a crash in July of 2023 when his car was struck on the Nanaimo Parkway by a minivan being driven the wrong way by a man police suspected was impaired.
Approximately $7,000 was raised from the tourney, with all proceeds going to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
"Everything went great," said Nick Crossen, one of the event's organizers. "It was sold out, all 160 people. The feedback from everyone was fantastic, asking if we were going to do it again. As far as I'm concerned, how can we not?"
Crossen previously stated they wanted to stage the tourney to "honour the memory of Reid and continue his legacy of kindness and community spirit" and also "raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to support local victims of drunk driving incidents."
"For me, the best part was seeing the whole community come together," said Crossen. "It's such an important cause. It affects so many people."
He noted not even a small wildfire near Lantzville which snarled traffic for several hours on tournament day could dampen the spirits.
"My phone was blowing up from people on the road," he said with a laugh. "I told everyone it was fine, we could push things back if necessary. It all worked out."
Crossen said between $15,000 and $20,000 in prizes were given away via raffles.
"Our sponsors really came through," he said, noting golfer Jade Richardson came within a foot of a hole-in-one, which would have won her a car via Wheaton Hyundai. "(Head pro) Travis Busch and everyone at Fairwinds were fantastic. The day was filled with love and fun. We hope to see everyone again next year."
Busch was part of the winning team in the four-person, best ball scramble format, along with Braiden Epp, Joel Demelo and Nicole Foglietta. They finished up at 15-under par.
In second spot was the team of Mike Davidson (Reid's dad), Mark Chambers, Shea Battie and James Peckett, who shot 11-under.
"It was amazing," said Mike Davidson. "I think Reid was helping us, since three of the golfers in our group aren't really that good, but we played the best golf of our lives. Maybe some divine intervention after we got rerouted by the brush fire. We left Nanaimo at 10:30 and ended up getting to Fairwinds at 1:30. But it really was a special event."
He said he and wife Lisa truly appreciated the entire day.
"Lisa got to drive around in the marshall's cart and visit all the groups," said Davidson. "And after the golf was over, I was really able to soak it all in and see how special it was."
He said one highlight was at the end of the night when he and Lisa were presented a Vancouver Whitecaps jersey, signed by members of the team.
"That was cool," he said, explaining the Whitecaps had heard Reid's story, including how his last-ever goal clinched a championship for his own team and they wanted to contribute an item for the event.
Mike admitted the entire process has been an emotional roller coaster for himself and Lisa.
"We had the great feeling at the tournament, seeing how much Reid means to everyone," he explained. "Then the 19th is the second anniversary of the crash, so that's definitely going to be tough. Then the following weekend there's the second annual soccer tourney for Reid in (his hometown of) 100 Mile House. So there's a lot going on. Money from there goes to scholarships in his name. We want to keep his legacy going for as long as we possible can."
