Sponsors, golfers sought for Calvin Peete Classic
The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is ready to put on its biggest fundraiser of the year and it is looking for sponsors and golfers to make the event the biggest it has been.
The sixth-annual Calvin Peete Classic will be held at Magnolia Landing on Saturday, Oct. 15, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. There will be a closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contest. There will not be mulligans, yardsticks or any other gimmicks used in the past.
There will also be a “tu-tu” hole, where you pay $5, put on a tu-tu and tee off from the women’s tees.
Wendy Murray, executive director of the Chamber, said this is not only the biggest fundraiser for the Chamber, as it goes toward scholarships, but also the most fun.
“I love doing this tournament. It is a really fun day. I never have anyone say they didn’t have a good time,” Murray said.
Peete, who lived in North Fort Myers during his hey-day, was a true golf pioneer as the winner of 12 PGA tournament titles, a two-time member of the United States Ryder Cup team, and a Vardon Trophy recipient for the PGA tour’s lowest scoring average in 1983. Peete was the leading African-American PGA tournament title holder prior to the emergence of Tiger Woods.
Pepper Peete, his widow, has participated in most events. It is unknown whether she will play this year. She and her family now live in Georgia.
Response from players and sponsors has been strong, but they could always use more.
Lee County Insurance is the title sponsor, as it has since the beginning. President John Gardner said it’s not only about honoring a golf legend, but also a way to give back to the community.
“It’s amazing how people forget history. We have so many new people coming here and for those who have been here 30 years, it’s a way to keep his legacy alive,” Gardner said. “It’s community involvement and it’s a big name for a local tournament and we’re happy to have that opportunity.”
The cost to golf is $125 per person, $250 for a twosome and $500 for a foursome. Any single player is welcome and can be placed on a team with others without a team. The price includes, carts, beverages on the course, and a buffet dinner afterward.
Hole sponsorships start as low as $100 and go up to $1,250 and offer the opportunity to market your business.
For more information, call Murray at 239-707-6722.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com