Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys hosted its 26th annual Golf Tournament on Oct. 8 at Redland Golf and Country Club in Homestead. The event raised funds for Habitat’s efforts toward eliminating poverty and substandard housing in the Upper Keys through the construction of affordable homes.
Originally scheduled for Oct. 1, the tournament was postponed due to heavy rain.
“The weather tested us this year, but our golfers, sponsors and volunteers never wavered,” said Habitat executive director Scott Goss. “Because of their generosity, we raised over $20,000, and every dollar goes toward building safe, affordable homes for hardworking families right here in our community.”
The day began at 8 a.m., where Habitat staff and volunteers greeted teams before the 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. Golfers spent the morning having breakfast, competing in a pre-tournament putting contest and steadying their swings on the practice green. The winner of the putting contest generously donated his winnings — half of the pot — back to Habitat.
In addition to the scramble, games on the green included Closest to the Pin, Happy Gilmore, and Longest Drive and Beat the Pro — hosted by Charity Golf International and Backswing Golf, respectively.
Lunch was served at the Redlands Clubhouse with food from Sunrise Cuban Cafe & Bakery. Awards and prizes were presented at the lunch, as well as a few words of gratitude from Goss.
“We are grateful to everyone who came out, and we can’t wait to see them on the course again next year,” he said.
First place went to Palm + Par Indoor Golf Club; players included owner Eddie Price, Ben Claus, Avery Labuz and Colin McCabe. In addition to taking home the trophy, Palm + Par supported Habitat as a premium sponsor.
Second place went to Price Automotive and third place went to Massey-Richards Surveying & Mapping.
The four other premium sponsors of the tournament included Massey-Richards Surveying & Mapping — third place winners, as well as top contributors to Charity Golf International’s longest drive competition, courtesy of Anna Richards, Brian’s Property Maintenance, whose team tied for fourth place, Safe Harbor Marinas and Keys Heavy Towing & Recovery.
