New Cadillac up for grabs during 9th annual Chamber Cup Classic
By LOIS KINDLE
The public is invited to tee up with members of the Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce for a round of golf and lots more on Saturday, March 23.
The fun will take place at the Sandpiper Golf Club, 1702 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center, with registration and a full breakfast starting at 7 a.m. Golfers will tee off in a shotgun start at 8:30. A full lunch and awards ceremony will take place after play.
“The winning foursome gets our coveted blue jackets, bragging rights and a trophy,” said Lynne Conlan, the chamber’s executive director.
And one lucky golfer could win a brand-new car from Ed Morse Cadillac for a hitting a hole in one in an as-yet-unspecified, par 3 hole.
Register by March 1 and get the special early bird registration of $75 per person or $300 per foursome. After that date, the cost to participate is $100 and $400, respectively. Forms are available online at www.sccchamber.com or at the chamber office, 1651 Sun City Center Plaza, and they can be dropped off, faxed to 813-634-8438, or emailed to lynne@sccchamber.com.
Conlan said the chamber is shooting for 100-plus golfers to take part. Individuals or twosomes will be matched with others.
“It’s a scramble, which makes it enjoyable for the less-than-seasoned golfers,” said longtime chamber member Cedric Wilson, sales director for ServiceMaster 24 Hour. “The tournament committee has made the whole thing memorable, because everyone gets a gift rather than only the top tier golfers. And the before- and after-play meals are incredible.
“There’s lots of interaction and camaraderie throughout the course, so everyone is sure to have fun,” he continued. “I’ve always had a great time.”
Every golfer gets a free ticket for a prize valued at $25 or more.
One of the most popular highlights of the tournament is the Bryan Hinman Electric ball drop, in which the person with the winning ball number (the ball that falls nearest a simulated hole) wins half of the huge cash pot. Last year’s winner walked away with $800.
Anyone can enter the ball drop, even if you don’t enter the tournament. And you need not be present to win. Tickets are $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for eight and $50 for 25. They can be purchased from Conlan at the chamber or Chris Guiley, of A+ Hearing Center, 941-720-9284.
There’s also a silent auction for a huge Chest of Cheer. Last year’s chest was valued between $800 and $900. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20.
And if you’d like to sponsor a hole, there’s still time, Conlan said. The cost is $150 for new sponsors and $125 for renewing ones. You can set up a table or tent to promote your business at your designated hole, where a ball-shaped sign with your company’s name on it will be placed.
This year’s tournament sponsors include Lanese +Associates; The Sandpiper Grille; Palm Garden; Sunshine Auto Shield; A-Plus Air Conditioning & Refrigeration; CCJ Tax Consulting; Well Med; and Morse Cadillac.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sun City Area Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual Chamber Classic
WHERE: Sandpiper Golf Club, 1702 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center
WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
COST: $75 per person or $300 per foursome by March 1; otherwise $100 and $400. Includes full breakfast, lunch, round of golf and raffle ticket
HIGHLIGHTS: Golf, raffles, silent auction, ball drop, chance to win a new Cadillac for hole-in-one
INFORMATION: 813-634-5111 or info@sccchamber.com