Another Kind Of Green - July 2010

by: M. Michelle Spencer
WHACK! Nothing sounds better than hitting a small white ball off of a little yellow tee right in the sweet spot of the driver your holding in your hands.
    For many who golf, the links can be hours of enjoyment or torture depending on your handicap. For the members of the Uintah Basin chapter of the American Petroleum Institute, these lush fields of green translate into another type of green...CASH!
    The American Petroleum Institute, also known as the API, is an organization that is dedicated to the education and ongoing training for members of the petroleum and gas based industries across the US. One thing which just happens to be of abundance here in the Uintah Basin.
    The Uintah Basin chapter was started back in 1975 when the Basin had its first big boom and currently has a local membership of approximately 30 members. From almost the conception of this chapter, the men who make up its membership knew that they wanted to have the opportunity to give back to the residents of this area. It was with this thought in mind that the Annual Uintah Basin API golf tournament was brought about.
    "We just figure that it is important for us to try to help the people in this area they way that they help us," one API golf committee members states, "If we have the ability to help others than why not?"

    The unique thing about this golf tournament is how so many aspects of it are open to the general public and that local residents are encouraged to come up and enjoy the camaraderie that is typically reserved for paying golf tournament participants. Sure this golf tournament may have the typical hole sponsors and even the chance for a player to win a new vehicle if they can get that elusive hole on one but those who participate in the API tournament know that the this is about so much more than what they take home...it is about what they can give back to the community.
    One great example is that of the food stands set-up at a couple of the different holes. Hole 4 is probably one of the most popular at the event simply because of how excited the guys, like Dick Farmer, serving you up are. BALON sponsors a bratwurst food station where every year over 1,500 brats are grilled up and served (with or without the kraut) to both golfers and residents alike in just two days.

    "We figure that because the Uintah Basin is one of the biggest purchasers of our, needle valves, and check valves that we should do something good for them. If we were to give out hats we could only do that for a select few but if we give out a bratwurst we can feed anyone AND WE WANT TO FEED EVERYONE!"
    The great food and fun couple of days on the greens is not the only thing that is so impressive the API golf tournament. The most important factor in all of it is the fact the money that is raised from this golf tournament goes back to the Uintah Basin in the form of charitable donations. The chapter has a monthly meeting where they can vote and decide on the causes that they want to support and help out. The local API chapter has had the chance to help out causes such as Con Amore school in Myton, shop with a cop, the Children's Justice Center, the Family Support Center, high activities of all kinds, and so much more.

    These guys love what they do and they are so excited about how they are able to help others through the API. Anyone can come and talk to the chapter about their charitable cause and they encourage people to come and see them. If they are able to help you then they definitely will and it helps them to continue on their mission of striving to make the Uintah Basin a better place for all.