Bar Wars Brings Local Bars Together for Fun, Fellowship, and Friendly Competition

Closing the chapter on yet another successful Bar Wars Golf Tournament, members of The Mt. Hood Villages, golf participants, and the sponsors are reveling in the afterglow that is community fellowship, outdoor enjoyment, and competition. Hosted on October 1st at The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, local bars competed for the glory that is “Bar Wars Champion.”

While the weather was less than stellar [although typical Mt. Hood liquid sunshine in October], teams from local bars assembled to give their best shot at becoming winner of the year in a haze of rain, golf balls and good old fashioned mountain fun. According to Cooper’s Wine Bar and Shop owner Bri Dittlinger, the fellowship of those involved always surpasses the actual outcome of the tournament. “Despite the cold and rain, everyone had a phenomenal time,” Dittlinger said. “There is such great camaraderie and support from the local industry and it’s always amazing to see each other outside the restaurants and bars. Very happy people, having a great time, no matter how well they were playing,” Dittlinger added.

Although there can only be one winner of The Bars Wars Golf Tournament [The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort team taking home the glory this year], every team and golfer felt a genuine sense of community as they hit the course. Bar Wars Tournament player and The Whistle Stop Bar and Grill team member Kate Wille explains that while the game itself is exciting and fun to be involved in, the real winners are those who show up for the community and encourage others to do the same. “A highlight for me was not only hitting the pin on my drive as a golf beginner, but also how supportive my team members were,” Wille said. “It feels like we all contributed that day and they were really rooting for me. I played the best I ever have,” Wille added. 

While the game of golf is taken very seriously among its players and community, The Bar Wars Tournament likes to always add its very own “mountain touch” to the day. From different events throughout the day including food and drink, to the hecklers causing comic relief from the weather and from the seriousness of the game, each year the tournament brings a vibe that is uniquely a part of the community, from swag to swing. Pub 26 owner Dave Ogletree explained how impressive it was to not only see team members compete, but also enjoy themselves in the process, despite the weather conditions. Ogletree also acknowledged the time and dedication it takes to organize such an event for the community. “We appreciate all the hard work and planning that went into it and enjoyed being a part of the planning as well as the friendly competition and festivities,” Ogletree said. 

As teams unwind and remember the fun-filled day the tournament had to offer, you can bet that even as we enter the dark and cold months of fall and winter, each bar, golfer, and team member is preparing to retake the title as “winner” with each passing day.