MOOSE JAW — The 2025 Dave Banting Memorial Golf Classic, held on Aug. 8 at the Lynbrook Golf Course, was more than just a friendly game of golf — it was a celebration of family, history, and the lasting impact of a cherished member of the community.
The tournament, which started as a small family gathering, has grown into an annual tradition that brings together friends and relatives from across North America to honour Dave Banting, a local hockey legend, businessman, and avid golfer who helped shape the community's sporting landscape.
This year’s gathering was especially meaningful as it coincided with the 90th birthday celebration of Fran Banting, Dave’s wife, who was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including two sons who rode their Harleys in from B.C., a cousin on her husband’s side from Calgary, and many others.
“This is my home,” she said. “I feel so blessed to have my family here, and I’m so grateful for everything Moose Jaw has given us.”
The tournament served as a beautiful reminder of the close-knit bonds that keep the family tied to Moose Jaw.
“We have family members who’ve come from all over — from Nebraska, Manitoba, British Columbia, and beyond,” said Terry Banting, one of Dave’s sons. “It’s amazing to have so many of us here together, and it’s all because of Dad’s love for golf and the community.”
Bill Swarbrick, born in Kelowna, B.C., and returning to Moose Jaw after playing hockey for a year when he was 16, now lives in Omaha, Nebraska. The tournament marked his first visit to the city in “many, many years,” and he said he was excited to reconnect with family.
“It’s great to be back,” he said. “I have so many fond memories of playing hockey here and of course, Dave was such an important figure in this town. It’s good to see the community still honouring him.”
The day was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the occasional friendly competition. The winning team, the “BS'ers” — a playful mix of Bill Salewich’s and Bill Swarbrick’s initials, who played on the same team — emerged as champions with a score of -3.
Despite some well-intentioned heckling from a tough audience, they came ahead of other strong contenders including The Lollipop Guild who finished at -2. The Wilde & Crazies, The Rose & Her Thorns, and Rays Mojos all finished even at par.
“It’s not about winning; it’s about the memories and the connection,” explained Brent Banting. “We’ve all been able to reconnect, not just as family, but as a community. The tournament has become a tradition that keeps growing each year.”
The focus of the tournament is to reunite family and honour the legacy of Dave Banting. In recognition of his contributions to the Lynbrook Golf Course, the club honoured him with a lifetime membership on his 80th birthday. After his passing, a close friend and fellow golfer created a trophy in his memory. The trophy, which represents the super senior category, is used by other groups. Family members take pictures with it, but they don’t add their names, as none of them are over the age of 70.
The tournament also marked a milestone in the family’s growing tradition, with more than 70 people attending, including several relatives who had never participated before. This marked the largest gathering thus far.
“We’re hoping to add even more teams next year — nine, maybe ten,” said Linda Banting-Wilde. “The goal is to keep growing this and keep making it a part of our family history.”
This year’s event reinforced the Dave Banting Memorial Golf Classic as a cherished tradition, one that continues to unite family and the Moose Jaw community for years to come.
As Terry put it, “It’s more than a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of life, family, and everything Dad meant to us.”
