The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society (OTS) is preparing for the return of its always-popular Oilmen's Golf Tournament. 

The tournament will run from June 1 to 3 at the Estevan Woodlawn Golf Course and the Hidden Valley Golf and RV Resort. Just like in past years, there will be 18-hole and 36-hole tournaments, according to Estevan OTS president Brett Campbell.

Golfers in both the 18-hole and the 36-hole tournaments will play 18 holes on June 1 or 2. They will park at the Estevan Woodlawn Golf Course, shuttle to Hidden Valley for nine holes, and then return to Woodlawn for the final nine holes.

Tee times will be booked at Hidden Valley.

That one round will determine the champion and the flight winners for the 18-hole tournament. It will determine the flights for the 36-hole tournament.

The final 18 holes for the 36-hole tournament will be played on June 3 at Woodlawn, with two shotgun starts. Only 144 golfers are allowed in the 36-hole event. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, Campbell said.

There isn't a limit on the number of golfers for the 18-hole tournament.

“We're not going to turn anybody away unless we absolutely have to,” said Campbell. “We still have 18 holes to work with. There really shouldn't be any reason why we have to limit it. It's pretty much the same format as previous years, being we do have 18 holes to work with, just the logistics of getting golfers back and forth between the two is where the challenge lies.”

Spring flooding at Woodlawn forced the cancellation of last year's tournament. The restoration of the back nine at Woodlawn is ongoing, so the course is limited to the front nine this year. That's why organizers are using both Woodlawn and Hidden Valley.

More than 300 golfers have registered for the tournament, and Campbell hopes they can attract nearly 400. He's happy that so many golfers will be participating this year, after last year's cancellation, and due to the challenge of having the tournament on two courses.

A supper and dance will happen at the Estevan Curling Club on June 2. Steak or lobster will be served to those in attendance. A band will perform after supper.