ARLINGTON — The Gleneagle Golf Course once again hosted the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament June 26, as close to 75 golfers descended upon the links to enjoy the weather and support their Chamber.

Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Shaw admitted that the golf tournament’s number of participants was down by a quarter from the previous year, which she attributed to current economic conditions, but she noted that all but one of the 18 holes on the course had received sponsorships for the event.

Shaw explained that the proceeds from such events go toward keeping the Chamber offices running, and are also reinvested in the Chamber membership. She estimated that the Chamber’s monthly budget is $8,000, and recalled that last year’s golf tournament raised net proceeds of $6,000. She further estimated that half of the Chamber’s funds come from events such as the golf tournament, while the other half comes directly from the Chamber’s members themselves.

As the golfers worked the links, Bill Banfield praised the event as an opportunity to enjoy a sunny day without working, while Bryan Terry summed it up as, “A good time with good people on a beautiful day.”

“You couldn’t ask for a better day,” agreed George DeFrancesco.

The pace of play was casual, with many of the golfers taking the time to get their blood pressure checked by Cascade Valley Hospital staff at a table near the first hole, but there were a few strategists among the four-person teams. Dan Susco considered his team to be well-rounded in its skill-sets, since “we’ve got one good driver, one good iron and one person who can putt.”

For most of the players, though, the serious concerns were reserved for the cause being supported by the golf tournament.

“It’s ever forward,” said Kelly Cunningham, of the Angel of the Winds Casino, regarding the Chamber and local businesses dealing with the current economy. “You’ve got to stay diligent and stay the course. These are tough times, but we’ll get through them.”

This year marked Cunningham’s fourth Chamber golf tournament, which he deemed a great event.

Vic Ericson, on furlough that day from the city of Arlington, concurred with Cunningham, calling the golf tournament “a great fundraiser for the Chamber, and a good day to have fun with friends.”