South Seas grows Tarpon Tournament into two-day Memorial weekend fundraiser
Event aims to surpass $250,000 for Folds of Honor scholarships
South Seas Resort is bringing together fishing, golf and philanthropy over Memorial Day weekend as its Tarpon Tournament returns Friday, May 22 with a new Golf Scramble and Helicopter Golf Ball Drop, all designed to support scholarships for families of fallen and disabled service members.
The holiday weekend event honors the spirit of remembrance and service while raising funds for Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military members and first responders.
The 2026 Tarpon Tournament title sponsor is Timbers Company, with supporting sponsorships from DeAngelis Diamond, Wheelock Street Capital, Curran Young, Pyramid Global Hospitality, The Ronto Group, MHK Architecture, Regions Energy, Brittania Electric, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Barraco & Associates, Lowndes Law and Haley Ward Surveying.
For the Golf Scramble event, Batia Construction Company will serve as the title sponsor, with additional support from Kazdan Family Medicine, AmeriGas, DeAngelis Diamond, Benchmark General Contractors, The Ronto Group, Pyramid Global Hospitality, Wheelock Street Capital, Timbers Company, Newkumet Companies and Priority Marketing.
The enhanced, three-day schedule begins with a Captain’s Meeting on Thursday, May 21, at the Tarpon Bar, followed by a full day of competitive fishing from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 22. The tournament day concludes with a waterfront reception featuring live music, drinks, a silent auction, raffles and light bites, followed by an awards ceremony that includes the national anthem, paratrooper presentation and tributes to fallen service members.
New this year, South Seas is adding the South Seas Golf Scramble at The Clutch, its Beau Welling-designed course, on Saturday, May 23. The scramble will begin with registration at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start and concluding with lunch, awards and raffle prizes.
Adding to the excitement, South Seas will host a Helicopter Golf Ball Drop, sponsored by Lee County Sheriff’s Office, immediately following the Golf Scramble on May 23. Hundreds of numbered golf balls will be dropped from a Lee County Sheriff’s Office helicopter over The Clutch, with cash prizes awarded for a hole-in-one or the closest shot to the pin. Participants can purchase entries starting at $25 for one ball or $100 for five balls, with all proceeds supporting Folds of Honor.
“The South Seas Tarpon Tournament has quickly become a meaningful tradition for our resort and community,” said Shawn Farrell, general manager at South Seas. “Each year, we see anglers, sponsors and guests come together not only for world-class fishing, but to make a real impact for families of fallen and disabled service members. With the addition of the Golf Scramble and expanded weekend programming, we’re proud to grow this event and its impact even further.”
The expanded weekend builds on the success of last year’s tournament, which drew more than 100 anglers and resulted in 49 tarpon catches while raising more than $200,000 to support scholarships for local families. Organizers aim to exceed $250,000 in 2026, with proceeds from tournament entries and sponsorships directly benefiting Folds of Honor recipients in Lee County.
For more information, to register for the events or to purchase a ball for the helicopter drop, visit SouthSeas.com/Tarpon-Tournament.
About South Seas
Presenting classic island charm, the 330-acre South Seas is nestled among mangroves with more than half of the resort a dedicated wildlife preserve and estuary. Outstanding golf, famed fishing, boating, yachting and discovering storied barrier islands, flavorful dining and memorable island adventures are among the unforgettable experiences of a South Seas guest. The resort has been a cherished destination for more than 75 years. As a new chapter begins, one that has been inspired by the many past generations of guests and thoughtfully recast for the future, South Seas is dedicated to delivering a resilient, world-class resort.
About Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States armed forces. Beginning in 2022, Folds of Honor expanded its mission to include first responders. Its educational scholarships support private-school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12 as well as post-secondary tuition. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on GuideStar. It was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot, who is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, TX. For more information visit FoldsOfHonor.org.