Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Mike Rowe putts during a practice session at the Vardon Golf Club on Wednesday afternoon. The Western ND Charity Pro-Am begins this morning.

The spring and early summer brought some peculiar circumstances to the Vardon Golf Club, but Todd Lee remained resilient. Lee, the Vardon’s head golf professional, will spearhead the annual Western North Dakota Charity Pro-Am this weekend.

Since the tournament’s inception in 1982, he has maintained an unwavering passion for golf.

“As they say, I’m kind of on the back nine now,” Lee said with a chuckle.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused some doubt about the event’s future. Lee needed to work out the fundraising capacity, but the tournament will proceed as usual.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the fundraising,” he said. “Our golf tournament is full again.”

According to Lee, 70 professionals and 93 amateurs will participate in the event. The action will begin at 7:30 a.m. this morning and will conclude after the professionals complete their final rounds on Sunday.

Tom Lehman, a former PGA Tour Player of the Year, won the event in 1982. Lehman has the distinction of being named Player of the Year on all three PGA Tours — the regular Tour, the Web.com Tour and the PGA Tour Champions. He is the only golfer in history to achieve that feat.

His winning legacy has a chance to continue. Lehman’s son, Thomas, will compete in this year’s tournament in Minot.

“It’s fun to see some of the guys coming back,” Lee said. “I’ve been here a long time and have seen most of these guys ever since they started. I’m looking forward to seeing both the amateurs and the pros for the week.”

Andre Metzger won the professional division’s top prize in 2019. Metzger shot a 260 (28-under-par) and won $25,000 in prize money.

After winning the tournament in 2018, Brady Calkins finished in second place last year and took home $14,000 in prize money. His final score of 264 was good for 24-under-par.

Calkins has competed in eight Dakotas Tour events this season and currently holds the money lead. As he surveyed the familiar fairways on Wednesday, he smiled while reminiscing about his past successes.

“I love being here,” Calkins said. “I love the Midwest. The people are awesome, so it’s hard to complain about it.”

Over the years, Lee has noticed the amateurs produce quality performances in the tournament.

“There’s going to be some low scores in our amateur division, too,” Lee said. “It’s a very strong field there. Quite a few former winners of that and a few new ones.”

All of the money that is raised by local charities stays within North Dakota. Lee made note of the total funds — the event has raised nearly $2 million through sponsorships and donations.

“In these trying times, it’s kind of pleasant to see,” he said.

First Western Bank & Trust will provide lunch during Saturday’s “Community Day.” Spectators are invited to watch the amateurs and professionals play during that session.

“We’ve had so many repeat sponsors over the years,” Lee said. “It’s really quite amazing.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.