Cary golf tournament set for this weekend
CARIBOU — The Jefferson Cary Foundation will mark the 30th anniversary of the Cary Classic Benefit Golf Tournament, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14, at the Caribou Country Club.
To commemorate the anniversary, the tournament will feature some special highlights. The “Million Dollar Shootout” will feature the female and male who win closest to the pin contests, with a third name being drawn from all golfers playing in the tournament. All three players will have a chance to hit a hole-in-one on the par-three seventh hole at a distance of 165 yards. If a player achieves the feat, he or she will win $1 million.
Another special highlight will be a drawing for two tickets to the Deutsche Bank TPC Boston Championship Tournament, which will be played in Norton, Mass. The tickets will be good for all four days of the event, which is directed by the Tiger Woods Foundation and will be held over Labor Day weekend.
Mary Harrigan, executive director of the Jefferson Cary Foundation, said that adding these highlights will really bring some excitement to the tournament.
“A 30th anniversary is really special,” said Harrigan, who has managed the tournament for more than a decade. “We wanted to do something to try and draw in more golfers, even from outside the area. We also wanted to have some excitement for everyone who plays, regardless of their skill level. Everyone will have a chance to win the Deutsche Bank tickets and to win a chance to participate in the shootout.”
While the odds for a hole-in-one are quite slim, it has been done before on the same hole at the Cary Classic. The late Reed Morrill hit one more than a decade ago during the tournament.
In addition to these special events, the tournament, which features medal play where players must play their own ball, features more than $8,000 in prizes in four men’s and two ladies divisions. Prizes are awarded four deep for both gross and net scores.
Longest drive and closest to the pin contests are also part of the event. Golfers will also have another hole-in-one opportunity for a $30,000 prize at a selected hole. And a drawing will be held for two airline tickets from Presque Isle to Boston for all registered golfers.
Peter Doebener, president of the Caribou Country Club, said that the club always looks forward to the Cary tournament.
“This is our big event of the golf season,” said Doebener, who is also a member of the tournament committee. “We work very hard to get the course in great shape, and are so pleased that the tournament has been held here for all 30 years of the event.”
In addition to the prize value, golfers will also enjoy a steak dinner, and a ‘goodie’ bag with valuable items including a coupon for nine holes of golf at the Caribou Country Club. They also receive a golf shirt and other items at entry. A free practice round is also available for all registered golfers on Friday, July 12.
Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $200,000 for various projects and medical equipment at the hospital. This year, the tournament will benefit the new Women’s Imaging Center at Cary.
Registration for the event is $75 for club members and $85 for non-members. Registration deadline is Thursday, July 11. Golfers can register by calling the CCC at 493-3933.
