Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament

The weather was sunny.The fairways and greens were in perfect condition for the Knights of Columbus 49th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Island Country Club. Over 100 golfers challenged their skills, had fun, and in doing so supported many wonderful local charities.

While the pristine course is challenging for any golfer, the tournament was made a bit easier by having a few surprises. On one hole, golfers were given the choice to move up to just 150 yards from the pin (normally 500 yards out!) and on another, the club pro blasted their tee shot drive to “assist” their scores. These extra benefits to aid each foursome’s score also added funds to the overall charity event.

Father Chuck Ruoff gave a spirited (and humorous) opening blessing to all golfers, which undoubtedly added 20 extra yards to every golfer’s drive (or at least that’s what the golfers prayed for).

No matter what your score was, all the players were smiling and having an enjoyable time throughout the day. The Island Country Club Restaurant delighted the players with an incredible buffet lunch. Next was the presentation of prizes for the Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and first and second place foursomes. This year a putting contest was added, and the proceeds went to help a Veteran Charity. All golfers walked away with prizes since over $1,000 in raffle gifts were handed out. But the giveaways did not end there, each golfer received a goodie bag stuffed with golf balls and $100 of gift cards from Tournament Sponsor Phelan Family Brands restaurants (CJs, Texas Tonys, Deep Lagoon, Pinchers). Now that’s a GREAT SURPRISE!

The proceeds from these Knights of Columbus organized and sponsored events support many wonderful local charities, such as Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, St. Vincent de Paul, Marco Dementia Respite, the Parish Scholarship Program, and several Veteran programs. All of the Knights of Columbus Events are not possible without the generous support of so many wonderful businesses and individuals in our community. We thank all of them:

• Christian’s Auto Repair
• Cocomo's Grill
• Condee Cooling & Electric
• DeVoe Cadillac
• Executive Auto
• Hoots Restaurant
• Island Country Club
• Island Paradise Dentistry
• Joey D’s Restaurant
• Kretch’s Restaurant
• La Tavola Restaurant
• Marco Office Supply
• Ori’s Bakery
• Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub
• Pepsi Co.
• Petronzio Mgmt. Co.
• Phelan Family Brands (CJs, Texas Tonys, Deep Lagoon, Pinchers)
• Progressive Auto/Car Wash
• Red Rooster Restaurant
• Sami’s Restaurant
• Tonkinson Financial
• Where Spines Align Chiropractic

If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus and being part of an exceptional group of men who support so many worthwhile charities, please contact John Caltabiano at 239-642-9840. For more information on the Knights of Columbus and our upcoming events go to sanmarcoknights.com.