McCanless Golf Club will again host a tournament that supports Arnold Palmer’s campaign against prostate cancer.
This year, the tournament is Sept. 12, starting at 8 a.m.
The 2008 tournament raised more than $2,000, according to Jack Bilson, who leads the local organization.
He said many local merchants donate merchandise and gift certificates for special awards and door prizes. And all will be listed on an Honor Roll which is posted at McCanless.
The tournament will be played in four-member teams, captain’s choice format. Each player pays $45 to enter ó $50 after Aug. 12. If you don’t have a team, “we’ll find one for you,” Bilson said. No time for a full round? Play closest to pin hole, $20.
Bilson encouraged golfers to register early. “Last year, we had to turn folks away,” he said.
Other features: All male golfers younger than 12 and 60 and older use the gold tees. All entrants receive a year’s subscription to Golf Digest.
Closest to the pin on the short No. 3, par 3, receives a pair of Callaway sunglasses, a 24 karat gold plated putter, golf watch and special putter cover from Arnold Palmer’s alma mater, Wake Forest.
Second-, third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-place awards will also be given.
All male golfers may play from the red tees and female participants may play a wedge length in front of the red tees on hole No. 3.
Most golfers are unable to drive the green on hole No. 18. Well in front of the green on hole No.18, there will be a circle for an accuracy drive. Assuming the event raises a minimum of $2,000 for prostate cancer research, there will be a $500 travel voucher awarded to the golfer closest to the center of the circle.
For more information, call McCanless at 704-637-1235 or Jack Bilson at 704.645.0704. The course is at 3515 Stokes Ferry Road.
Salisbury was the first city in North Carolina to host such an event. Four years ago, Bilson called Palmer and told him that he lived in a golf state, North Carolina, and there were no prostate cancer fund raising events, and, that he knew of several tournaments in other parts of the country.
Jack became Palmer’s ambassador in North Carolina, and soon received details regarding the fundraising event would be in the mail.
Palmer’s fans calls themselves Arnie’s Army, and for the prostate cancer campaign, they have a Web site, http://arniesarmybattles.com/ContactUs/tabid/59/Default.aspx
Arnold Palmer’s comments remain true: “In the time it takes a foursome to play a round of golf, 14 men will die of prostate cancer. We must find a way to beat all forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate. Join this campaign, see your doctor and get tested.”