By Sandy Johnson
The Honda Classic Golf Tournament was played at PGA National Golf Course in Palm Beach Gardens in front of a record crowd of over 200,000 people.
“This is a tribute to the connection that the Honda Classic has made with the community. People enjoy coming out to the tournament and they have a great time once they are here,” said tournament executive director Ken Kennerly.
They were not disappointed by the golfing action that they saw.
Adam Scott held off Sergio Garcia in an exciting down-to-the-final-hole nail biter! But equally important to the pleasure of watching the tournament is the amazing impact it has on the local community. Children’s Health Care Charity contributes to Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation (founded by golfing great Jack Nicklaus) as the major benefactor of the tournament. Over the years, the Honda has given more than $28 million to this foundation and other local children’s charities. This is made possible by the folks that attend, the sponsors, the staff, but, even more so by the thousands of volunteer hours put in by locals.
The CouTOURe Club is a group of over 100 gals who run the hospitality tents all over the course, easily identified by their distinctive pink outfits that change daily. They are on-hand the whole week to make sure everyone is met with a smile and any problems are worked out.
These ladies do not stop at just working the Honda, but have many projects they work on all year long. Next up is gathering an array of gently-used jewelry, then going to the Grove Park Elementary School to let the students “shop” for a piece of jewelry to give to their moms for Mother’s Day.
Another great volunteer effort goes into the Patriot’s Outpost that honors all veterans past and present [by giving them a] place to watch the tournament, a meal and thanks from everyone in the area. There was even a wall where one could go and write a message of thanks to these well-appreciated Americans.
An interesting fundraiser that everyone can participate in is the Birdies for Children program. Any group can get involved with this. Individuals or businesses can solicit donations in the name of their favorite charity. Checks are sent to the Honda and they send a donation for the full amount plus a 10 percent donation from them to the charity. As a bonus, you get a chance to guess how many birdies will be made in the tournament. Winner receives a brand new Honda! Honda has been sponsoring this tournament for 35 years and has just signed on to continue for the next five years.
So go to the Honda Classic website and think about volunteering next year. Teens are welcome too! www.thehondaclassic.com.