Whether they were out for the love of the game, to enjoy a beautiful day or simply playing hooky from work, golfers were out in droves at the Austin Country Club to support a good cause.

On Monday, the country club hosted the 12th annual Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament to support The Karl R. Potach Foundation.

Karl Potach was only 4 years old when he lost his battle with cancer. Every year since then, his family has hosted an event to help raise money, not only for cancer research, but for the general well being of children being treated for cancer.

“It’s all about the quality of life,” said Dr. Kurt Potach of Austin, one of the event organizers and Karl’s father. “Anything to benefit the kids.”

Potach estimates that over the years, they have raised more than $250,000 for organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, the Hormel Institute and other related groups.

By all accounts, it was a good day to golf — not too hot, with a slight breeze and some clouds to keep the sun out of the game

The event was a family affair for the Potachs, with more than a dozen family members coming to Austin to help make the event a success.

“It’s a very important — very near and dear to our family — event, and one of the best ways to pay tribute to (Karl),” said Nancy Elsmore, Karl’s aunt from Elk River, Minn.

The family volunteers and other organizers were out and about on golf carts making sure every one was having a good time, and Curt was at the 18th hole helping golfers birdie that one.

He would make a drive, and if the golfers felt so inclined, they could take his lie. All-in-all, Potach felt pretty good about his game that day.

Despite concerns that the economy would effect numbers, attendance was up this year from past years. Around 150 golfers hit the links Monday, and around 260 planned to attend the dinner held later that night. The dinner featured speakers with experience in both helping those with cancer, and those who have lived through it.

To donate, visit www.karlpotachfoundation.com.