FEEDING HILLS – Get out your golf clubs for a good cause.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness – Western Massachusetts (NAMI–WM) is hosting its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Westover Golf Course in Granby on Aug. 17.

NAMI is a nationwide non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI’s Western Massachusetts affiliate, one of 21 in the state, is headquartered in Agawam.

“NAMI-WM and dedicated volunteers, members and leaders work tirelessly to raise awareness and provide essential education, advocacy and support group programs for people in our community living with mental illness and their loved ones,” said NAMI–WM communications coordinator Mark Carney.

The tournament, first proposed by Vice President David Callahan, is designed to help raise awareness about mental health.

“We are always striving to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness, as well as provide the community with the support and education that is needed in dealing with a mental health condition,” Carney said. “Asking for help with a mental illness should be no different [than] asking for help with any other health condition. Knowledge is power. Mental health is no different.”

Tournament registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the “shotgun” start is at 9 a.m. There is a $100 fee to play, which includes the luncheon. For those attending the luncheon only, there is a $50 fee. There is no charge to watch.

Plenty of golfers come out to participate in the fundraiser at the Westover course, which has hosted the event all three years. In 2017, there were 80 golfers, the next year there were 81, plus those who only went to the luncheon. Generally, between 24 and 30 spectators watch.

The tournament has raised $33,000 to $34,000 per year. “We hope to meet and exceed that this year,” Carney said.

For those who don’t know what to expect at a golf tournament, Carney told Reminder Publishing that there will be, “fun and laughter, camaraderie.” He said the more advanced golfers help the novice players. “And [as] is often the case when golfers get together, connections are made,” Carney said.

Along with the tournament and the steak-barbeque luncheon at 2 p.m., “There will be a hole-in-one prize, as well as [a] raffle. There is also the air cannon tee shot, which should be a lot of fun,” Carney said.

To play in the tournament, Carney said, people can go to app.eventcaddy.com/events/3rd-annual-nami-wm-golf-tournament-81 or access the tournament site via namiwm.org/events. There is also an entry form and QR code on the tournament brochure. For support with a mental illness or more information about NAMI-WM, visit www.namiwm.org.