Suwanee Golf Course To Host Benefit Tournament

Golf enthusiasts who want to enjoy a challenging round of golf at one of metro Atlanta's finest courses -- Bear's Best in Suwanee -- and help support children and family organizations in Gwinnett County still have time to register for the annual tournament sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Suwanee and Duluth on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

The tournament, which has been a staple among fundraisers in the county for nearly 20 years, will be played on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the upscale gated community of Edinburgh. The cost to enter is $150, half of which is tax-deductible.

Tourney coordinators Jim Johnson and Deric Governale announced the format for the event will be Four Person Lauderdale, and registration will continue through the start of the tournament at 8:30 a.m.

Among the organizations that will benefit from the event are the Hands of Christ Cooperative Ministry, Wellspring Living, the Foster Children Foundation, and Rainbow Village.

In past years, the tournament has raised as much as $20,000, but Johnson said due to the economy, charitable giving has fallen off quite a bit in recent years.

"We did register 125 golfers last year and raised about $12,000," he said. "This year, our goal is 150 golfers and $15,000." Johnson said one of top prizes last year was a foursome to play at Sugarloaf Country Club. The winning bid was $400.

The tournament will feature several golfing contests such as putting, hole-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive and straightest drive. There will also be a silent auction following the tournament and a cookout.

The clubs are still looking for golfers and sponsors. 

For more information about the tournament, contact Deric Governale at 678-546-6816, visit http://kiwanisgolf2011.eventbrite.com or email deric.governale@edwardjones.com or contact Jim Johnson at 404-626-6245 or jimjohnson@jmsmgtconsuluting.com.