By Ida Brown / senior staff writer
Twenty-five teams of professional and amateur golfers will take to the greens today to kick off a four-day professional fund-raising tournament benefitting local youth.
Tee-off is at 8 a.m. at Northwood Country Club for the ProAm Tournament, a preliminary of the First Tee of Meridian Classic. On Wednesday, the AdamsGolf Pro Tour Series will begin and continue through Saturday at Northwood. Proceeds from both golfing events – hosted by NWCC – will benefit First Tee of Meridian, title sponsor.
First Tee of Meridian is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to positively impact the youth of Meridian and Lauderdale County by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The Meridian chapter was the first certified in the state of Mississippi
"This is the first time we've participated in the golf series; it is our only fund-raiser," said Gloria Williams, executive director of the First Tee of Meridian.
Both golfing events are open to the public.
The ProAm tournament will feature four-member teams.
"Three amateurs will be paired with one professional golfer," said Robert Ford, tournament director.
Later that evening, a Draw Party will be held, as well as a Sponsor Gala, where the Pro Am Award will be presented.
More than 100 professional players are registered for the four-day AdamsGolf Pro Tour Series. Recognized as one of the nation’s top developmental tours, the series provides opportunities for successful players to move on to the Nationwide Tour and ultimately PGA Tour.
James Gamblin Jr. is host professional of the event, which will include 72 holes of stroke play. The field will be cut to the Top 45 players and ties after 36 holes.
"There will be 110 professional golfers playing Wednesday through Saturday," Willis said. "And they are from all over – Guatemala, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas and from all over Mississippi, including Meridian, Union and Terry."
The purse for the professional tournament is $100,000, with $15,000 going to the first-place winner and cash awards also presented to 2-45 place winners.
First Tee of Meridian's proceeds will be used to continue the vision of the chapter – to teach The First Tee Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgement.
"It's life lessons, but we use the game of golf to teach those values," Ford said. "We show the kids how to play but also with those life lessons we tell them how they can use those in their every day life ... You can see the difference in their attitudes; the ones that come into the program shy, have confidence. It's a great program."
First Tee of Meridian provides the vehicle through which kids can accomplish their dreams, thrive socially, excel academically and athletically, and become productive members of society with integrity, strong family values and commitment to community.
In addition to First Tee of Meridian, the following Meridian businesses have agreed to be Ace, Eagle and Birdie, Par and Player sponsors.
