The First Annual Knights of Columbus Council 17689 Charity Golf Tournament was held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at The Links at Sandestin. The event benefitted Caring & Sharing of South Walton, Point Washington Medical Clinic and Healing Paws for Warriors.
The setting and the day were beautiful beginning with registration, raffles, coffee and donuts, welcome messaging and rules for a 10 a.m. Shotgun Scramble format event. A Happy Hour and Awards presentations followed at the Clubhouse.
Several unique elements were planned and delivered for the players. At four locations, golfers and volunteers were treated to local favorite dishes prepared by on-course food station partners, Jackacuda’s and Chef’s Bistro 30A.
Numerous sponsors contributed heavily to the cause and their presence was felt in many creative ways throughout the property. Local philanthropists Steve and Lynn Dugas were especially generous.
Every par-3 hole offered great prizes for as many as three players who may have been lucky enough to make an ace, including a $10,000 prize at the signature 12th hole at the entrance to Sandestin. No aces were made, although one player hit the pin at 12!
The Live Virtual Auction for the event ran for a week and closed on Monday the 29th. Nearly 50 items were provided by generous individuals and companies, ranging from luxury travel and local beach accommodations to art, event, food and wine packages, golf tee times at local country clubs, boutique and spa offerings and even exquisitely-made hardwood furniture provided by a local craftsman.
All of these efforts were imagined, planned and executed by the Knights of Columbus, affiliated with Saint Rita Catholic Church in Santa Rosa Beach. The Knights are the service arm of almost every Catholic church in the nation, providing direct financial support to millions of people on an annual basis – for over 130 years now.
Tournament Director Tom Stipes – a Knight and Parishioner – said, “Our goal was to create as much revenue as we possibly could, given our short planning runway, then to establish an exceptional event experience for our players and sponsors, properly manage expenses and, finally, to deliver all proceeds to help those in need who are right here on the Emerald Coast. We’re proud to say we exceeded all original goals handily and for that we are humbled and honored to provide this relief. Of course, we wouldn’t have been able to execute the event on-site without the commitment of those Knights of Columbus members who stepped up, under the direction of Operations Lead Dave Delahoussaye.”
All Mission Partners were represented on-site, and players and volunteers were able to meet with them and hear their stories.
Additionally, Father Michael Hartley was on hand to deliver several prayers relevant to the setting and the occasion. And when play commenced he took his talents to the sixth hole where he served as cannon master – shooting golf balls 325 yards down the fairway with a patented air cannon made just for this purpose. Each team got to use his tee shot and put them in position to make eagle on a very difficult par 4.
“The fellowship we fostered today, held in a fun setting and all to set up a series of contributions to our Mission Partners, was outstanding. We know everyone had a great time and is looking forward to next year,” said Father Hartley.
Speaking of next year, the dates aren’t announced but Stipes assured us that there will be a second Annual Charity Golf Tournament and expansion is always a goal following a successful inaugural event.
Stipes added, “The professional staff at Sandestin and the ease of operating at The Links have convinced us that this is exactly where we want to be. They are our partners and we thank them for all of their support and operational efforts.”
For more details go to www.golfkoc.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
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