The tournament, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 25 at Scotch Meadows Country Club, is the chamber’s way to raise money for various education programs. Registration is $75 per golfer. The funds from the tournament will be used for the Junior Leadership Scotland program, sending one Junior Leader to the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Challenge through NC State, the Preparing Academically Successful Students (PASS) Scholarships and the Third Grade Employment Activity Recess (Third GEAR).
The tournament will be packed with plenty of fun, prizes and tasty food: participants will be treated to a great hamburger lunch and steak dinner courtesy of Golden Coral; drinks will be available from Budweiser; longest drive, closest-to-the-pin and hole-in-one contests will be scattered around the course; a competition gives participants a chance to sink a $2,500 putt; and door prizes and goodie bags will be given out.
“We’ve seen our attendance for the tournament grow over the years,” Program Director Matt Kendall said. “Our business community appreciates the chance to get out for a warm afternoon of golf with friends while helping our local students better themselves.”
The increase in participation can be attributed to the partnership with Golden Corral.
“Golden Corral is big on education,” said Steve Nemeth, general manager for Golden Corral in Laurinburg. “We chose to participate in the chamber’s tournament because it is the one that best represents the company’s core beliefs on education. It’s a win-win for participants; they give back to the community and have a fun round of golf and an appetizing meal.”
The four-player teams and captain’s choice tournament format appeal to every skill level. And that appeal translates to an overwhelming start to registration; over half of the tournament’s spaces are taken.
“We are limited to only 120 golfers so I urge everyone to sign up early: first come, first served,” said Steve Cole, planning committee chairman.
Funds from the tournament benefit several chamber education programs. Junior Leadership Scotland is designed for high school sophomores and juniors to better their understanding of the daily workings, unique opportunities and challenges of Scotland County. This year, one participant with Junior Leadership will attend the Shelton Challenge at the campus of NC State in Raleigh. The challenge is a week-long program designed to better prepare students for leadership roles.
A bulk of the tournament’s funds will go to the PASS Scholarship, which helps up to five deserving seniors planning to attend Richmond Community College, St. Andrews Presbyterian College or UNC Pembroke.
“It’s been a tough year economically for many here in Scotland County,” Cole said. “It is especially hard on the families with young people in college or heading off to college.” Scholarships are awarded in $1,000 amounts.
Finally, funds will help promote the Third GEAR program. The day-long session helps third graders understand several careers around Scotland County. Businesses participate by bringing large trucks and machinery to help with their presentations.
Sponsorships are available, and include player registrations, program recognition and advertising opportunities. Registration is available online by visiting the chamber’s website at www.laurinburgchamber.com and clicking the tournament button along the right-hand side.
“I encourage all golfers to help us help ourselves here in Scotland County by promoting higher education opportunities for the future of our community,” Cole said. “The tournament is a fun way to raise money for educational opportunities for the young people of Scotland County.”
For sponsorship and tournament information, or to register over the phone, call the chamber at (910) 276-7420.
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