On Friday, we took over the Millwoods Golf Course for the 7th annual Oilersnation Open, and unsurprisingly, we had the best time together. That’s why I wanted to write something quickly to thank everyone who joined us to support Gregor’s Grads.

From the moment teams started showing up at the registration table, you could tell that it was going to be a good day. There were smiling faces, folks excited to play, side bets going on, and all the makings of a fantastic day out on the links. And with the crew at the Millwoods Golf Course working hard to keep the place looking pristine, the table was set for our best tournament yet.

As I was cruising around the course, it was a lot of fun to hear everyone’s story of how they ended up playing in the tourney. Some folks read the website on a daily basis and have for years, making the ONO a tournament that they’ve either played in or wanted to play in for years. Others, meanwhile, listen to the podcasts or watch live shows, and the idea of smacking the ball around with the squad seemed like a good time.

Regardless of how or why anyone showed up, the important part was that you did. Just as important was the fact that everyone I talked to seemed to be having a great time. Whether you were out there trying to win the whole thing or just wanted an excuse to extend your long weekend, the vibes were simply tremendous and the conversations I had were even better. Put another way, this year’s Oilersnation Open was yet another reminder of the wonderful generosity we have in this community.

Once the golf was wrapped up for the day, it was time to head into the banquet hall to enjoy a fantastic meal, watch Gregor cry during his speech, and to hand out prizes from the raffle. Once again, the moment was wonderful. Not only was the food delicious but there were very few dry eyes in the room by the time Jason Gregor finished his speech about what Gregor’s Grads is all about and what the suits we’re now able to buy for some worthy young men mean to them.

Even though I’ve heard the story several times at this point, what always impresses me most is how simple the mission is for Gregor’s Grads and how impactful a new suit can be on these young mens’ lives. So to think that spending a day together on a golf course can result in something so meaningful is always a special feeling, and I think Jason tells the story beautifully. In the end, it’s a blast to get the Nation together for a round of golf, but the more meaningful part is being able to help out a great cause even a little bit.

Yesterday’s Oilersnation Open was one of the best days I can remember. I get excited about our golf tournament every year — that’s nothing new — but yesterday’s tourney might have been the best we’ve ever done and that’s in large part to the amazing people who joined us.

From the volunteers who showed up early to help us set up and keeping things running smoothly to the staff at the Millwoods Golf Course to the incredible teams of players who made the day so special and helped us raise over $24,000 for Gregor’s Grads, this year’s tournament was s0 much fun and one that I will never forget.

Thank you, Nation. Your willingness to come out and support us during days like the golf tournament makes us all feel incredibly grateful. Without you, there’s no websites,podcasts, and certainly no golf tournament, and I can’t help but feel incredibly proud of what this amazing community was able to help us do once again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.