Todd Thompson's golf classic raises almost $31,000 for Movember

Todd Thompson’s Movember Golf Classic has raised almost $31,000 to help change the face of men’s health.

Friday, Sept. 19, 140 golfers, mostly from the Kincardine area, gathered at Ainsdale Golf Course to participate in the annual event.

In its fifth year, the tournament is well-known for its outstanding golf challenges, silent auction items, raffles, and camaraderie among players. Golfers of all skill-levels race to secure their spot in this event – in part, because they enjoy the day on the greens, but more importantly, to show their support for Thompson.

Back in 2020, in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Thompson of Kincardine found himself facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. At just 45 years of age, he was stunned when a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA test confirmed that he had cancer.

His medical team quickly arranged surgery, removing the cancerous tumour before it could metastasize, and five years later, he remains cancer-free. Thompson is one of the lucky ones.

The positive outcome of his diagnosis prompted Thompson to align himself with the Movember organization, an international not-for-profit dedicated to raising awareness of health issues affecting men, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide.

His first fund-raising endeavor was quickly arranged for later that same year. He organized a campaign encouraging men to “grow a Mo” and collect pledges of support from the community. That initiative raised $13,000. The following year, he and his wife, Tammy, hosted the first Movember Golf Classic, raising more than $10,000. It has been onward and upward since then.



Golfers Dennis Schmidt (left), Ken Quinn and Mark Long participate in the Movember Golf Classic, Sept. 19, at Ainsdale Golf Course; photos by Ryan and Tara McGinn

This year’s event was the biggest tournament yet, with the largest number of participants and the second-highest moneymaker – raising almost $31,000. The auction table boasted 141 prizes, donated by local businesses, residents and sports teams, including lots of Toronto Blue Jays memorabilia and tickets.

Prizes and financial support were provided by several sponsors, including Specsavers Cambridge, VG Renovations, Royal Bank, the Power Workers’ Union, Society of United Professionals and Bruce Power. Countless volunteers offered their time to assist with registration, the auction and other duties.



Event organizer Todd Thompson welcomes everyone to the Movember Golf Classic

Thompson is humbled by the support he has received from his community, but says, too, that increasing awareness about men’s health problems is just as important.

“I am doing this because I was on the wrong side of the one-in-seven statistic, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago, at the age of 45,” said Thompson. “My story has been a happy one so far, as my PSA continues to be 0.002, meaning I am still cancer-free.

“I will continue to use my voice to get men to look after their health and break the stigma that you don't have to ‘tough it out’ anymore. It's okay to not be okay.”

Including proceeds from the 2025 event, Thompson has raised more than $151,000 for Movember.

And after a few days to catch his breath, he is already planning the 2026 tournament. Updates will be posted on the tournament website, www.movembergolfclassic.ca, as details are confirmed.



Nyven Brijlall (left), Mark Nagus and Jason Geberdt bring some colour and style to the golf course