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Sports
Sun City tournament brings funds, awareness to school program
Teaches young students the value of the game
Posted
Sun City Country Club 9433 N. 107th Ave. Sun City, AZ
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The Golf Program in School charity golf tournament and ball drop Dec. 12 was pronounced a huge success by organizers.
Twice rescheduled due to the pandemic, organizers of the events were concerned there would not be enough interest. But the show had to go on as there were several teams and sponsors signed up since last March. The tournament was played and the ball drop conducted at the Sun City Country Club, 9433 N. 107th Ave.
“We really appreciated everyone for their patience as we muddled through all the ‘yes you cans’ and ‘oh no you can’t’ until we were good to go,” Janet Craven, event spokeswoman, stated in an email.
The tournament teed off in the morning with 120 golfers and 12 volunteers in the background working to get the players out on time. Denton Santarelli, retired Peoria Unified School District superintendent, whose first job was as a ball picker at Sun City Country Club, was the honorary tournament chairman that sent the golfers on their way. As the sun warmed, the day turned out perfect for a golf event.
“We had several GPS junior golfers and families, and two of the juniors were previous tournament winners back to take another swing,” Ms. Craven stated.
At the end of the round there was a helicopter ball drop from versatilegolf.com and Ladies Professional Golf Association professional Jill Mann Strite and sponsored by First Generation Millionaires. There was a photo op with the helicopter just before the ball drop and several tournament dignitaries and sponsors got a chance to ham it up. All three winners were present at the event. The first place winner chose the $3,000 and was awarded the check. The second place winner chose the one-year membership for two at SCCC. The third place winner received the certificate for a TopGolf VIP party for 12.
The tournament winners rolled in with a smooth 20 under 52. Second place was a 19 under 53, and there was a last place winner with an undisclosed score to protect their privacy, according to Ms. Craven.
There was a unique array of raffle prizes this COVID year with items from a laptop to outdoor lights to Christmas decor. With such a variety there was something of interest for everyone.
Visit golfps.org for information about becoming a GPS member, sign up for family affordable academy lessons, attend a Family Fun Day or to make a donation that will introduce students to the life lessons and lifelong benefits of golf.
