Montreal’s Rudy’s Golf fundraiser tees up to break $1 million mark
Posted July 3, 2025 7:15 pm.
Last Updated July 3, 2025 10:42 pm.
Rudy’s Golf, an annual charity tournament benefiting Parkinson Canada, returns to the Royal Montreal Golf Club for its third edition on July 21, with organizers aiming to surpass $1 million in total funds raised.
Founded by Rudy Erfle, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly 18 years ago, the event has become a summer staple in Montreal’s fundraising calendar.
Last year’s tournament raised more than $330,000, bringing the cumulative total from Rudy’s Golf and related events like Rudy’s Run to more than $857,000.
From a casual idea to a major movement
The idea for the golf tournament came after a round of golf with friends, Erfle said.
“I had finished playing golf one day with some buddies, and we were sitting around having some beers,” he said. “At the time, I had been doing a five and ten K run, and it brought in between 65 to 75 thousand dollars a year, and I wanted to do something more.”
He pitched the idea of a golf fundraiser at Royal Montreal — a venue known for its high-profile charity tournaments — and quickly found support.
“Some of the guys said, ‘Sure, we’ll help you out and do it with you.’ So I had four of my friends that day decide to help me, and then another four guys joined us,” he said. “We just decided to do a golf tournament, and the manager at the Royal Montreal put us on the schedule — that’s where it started.”
Dedicated to Parkinson’s research and awareness
Since its inception, all proceeds from Rudy’s Golf have supported Parkinson Canada, funding research, care programs, and education initiatives nationwide.
“It’s raising money that will go to research and will help find a cure,” Erfle said. “Everybody knows somebody who has Parkinson’s — and Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world.”
This year, Erfle has set his sights on breaking the $1 million mark in cumulative funds raised.
“This year should easily top a million,” he said. “That’s already been my goal — nobody else’s goal — but everybody’s just good because I wish for it.”
More than a game
While the event is centered on golf, Erfle says Rudy’s Golf has become something much more meaningful.
“It’s the realization that people are really kind and very generous and very supportive,” he said. “I’ve had [Parkinson’s] for 18 years now… and it’s just nice to know family and friends still support you and help you get through every day.”
He says he’s most proud of the people who make the tournament happen.
“I have a fantastic committee of eight guys that are outstanding. They give up so much of their own time to help me out,” he said. “They’re like family now.”
The atmosphere at the event is a big draw for participants.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Erfle said. “Over the past two years, everybody says how much fun it is. About 60 per cent of the people who play are members and 40 per cent are non-members, which is sort of unheard of.”
An evolving role and a growing impact
Hali Ludwick, senior events coordinator with Parkinson Canada, first got involved in Rudy’s Golf as a volunteer.
“I was actually lucky enough to volunteer two years ago when I first started with the organization,” she said. “As soon as I met Rudy and his committee, I just let my team know that I wanted to be as involved as possible.”
Now playing a larger role in organizing the tournament, Ludwick says the event is a testament to the community’s connection to Erfle.
“Everywhere Rudy goes, everybody that he talks to, they just want to be involved with him in some capacity,” she said. “I think it just really shows how much he is supported.”
She also highlighted the importance of the cause.
“Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest-growing neurological disorder,” Ludwick said. “So by helping participate in an event like this, it just helps us try to fund research and hopefully find a cure.”
‘Don’t give up’
As he reflects on 18 years since his diagnosis, Erfle says Parkinson’s has affected every aspect of his life, from family to daily routines.
“It’s getting more and more difficult to get around every day,” he said. “But my motto has always been not to give up — just don’t stop doing what you’ve been doing.”
He encourages others, regardless of ability, to take part however they can.
“Do whatever you can do,” he said. “If you’re limited physically, just help out in other ways.”
Above all, Erfle says he’s grateful.
“I just want to thank everybody for helping me out and supporting me and my family,” he said. “It’s a great cause — so come out and help us.”
