OCEAN CITY – Eagles Landing plays host to the Ocean City Recreation Boosters’ ever-popular Swing For Youth Golf Open this month.
Ocean City Recreation Boosters is a non-profit, independent community group made up of representatives from various community organizations. The positive group of individuals works diligently throughout the year to raise money to offset the costs of Ocean City recreation programs.
“We look forward to combining a day of camaraderie and sportsmanship with the opportunity to support a cause that benefits the all of the children in the community,” said Recreation Superintendent Kate Gaddis. “Part of the responsibility of being a resident of Ocean City is giving back to the community. What a better way to give back to the children of the community then a day of golf with your family and friends.”
The Swing For Youth Golf Open, which used to be known as the Celebrity Golf Open, has helped raise over $250,000 toward recreation program cost for children in its 16 years at Eagles Landing.
“It is amazing to think about how much money this tournament has generated in the past 16 years,” Gaddis said. “It is because of the generosity of the tournament participants and local businesses that we have been able to offer programs that are affordable for families of all economic backgrounds. It is great to be able to offer a child a program who under normal circumstances might not normally be able to afford it.”
The 17th Annual Swing For Youth Tournament will be held at Eagles Landing on Saturday, Oct. 27, beginning at 8:15 a.m. and leading up to the 10 a.m. shotgun start. This four-person Florida scramble not only provides a great value and fun time, but most importantly, supports youth recreation in the Ocean City area. The cost of the event is $95 per person. Golfers may also choose the All-Inclusive Package, which cost $480 per foursome, and allows each team two mulligans per player, an entry in the putting contest, an entry in the “Tame the Beast” contest and raffle tickets. Food and beverages, including a pre-event breakfast buffet, soups and dogs on the turn and a post-event celebration, are also offered to every golfer.
“Thanks to Eagles Landing, we are able to offer the participants with a huge benefits package,” Gaddis continued. “Not only do they have the opportunity to win fabulous prices, but each package includes greens fees and a cart, practices balls at the range, a sleeve of quality golf balls and a pro-shop gift certificate.”
Cost for this four-person Florida scramble is $90.00 per golfer or $360 per team and includes great food and prizes. Sponsorship opportunities for silent auction and various placement locations around the course are also available.
Along with great food, amazing prizes and the satisfaction of helping a good cause, Swing For Youth participants promise that the event also guarantees a great time.
“I don’t know how many other times your wife wont get mad when you spend the entire day with your buddies on the golf course,” said Mike Redner, a Swing For Youth supporter of nearly eight years. “Not only do you get to play a couple of rounds before the season ends, but you get to enjoy the company all of the people in the city who have gotten together to support the kids recreation programs. It really is a great day.”
Redner, who plays on a team of four co-workers, encourages people to rally their colleagues together to support the cause.
“It’s a great idea for people who work in Ocean City to get a few guys or girls from work and put a team in the tournament,” Redner said. “A lot of the local restaurants in town often sponsor their team since its going toward such an admirable cause.”
For more information about becoming a team sponsor for the Swing For Youth Golf Open, call Gaddis at 410-250-0125.