More teams gather for Boyz of the Tee tourney

The 8th annual Boyz of the Tee Golf Tournament was held Saturday (July 13) and brought fathers and sons together for a round of golf and to raise money for the First Tee of Fort Smith program.

Play began with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. for three flights. Teams consisted of two players, one adult (aged 18 and over) and one player under 18. The annual tournament was held at The First Tee of Fort Smith.

Cost for the players were $10 for the player under 18 and $20 for players 18 and over.

"Money raised will go to general operations. The program hoped to raise around $800 or more and should exceed $1,200," said Kris Scott, executive director.

Scott also said more teams entered this year than last year and showed about a 15% increase in summer enrollment. The tournament was sponsored by United Federal Credit Union with breakfast sponsored by Chick-fil-A and lunch sponsored by La Huerta.

Teams that brought a ream of paper received one stroke off their score. Ages 5-8 played six holes, ages 9-11 played nine holes, and ages 12-17 played nine holes. Awards were given to the top team in each flight and all participants received a goody bag and a t-shirt.

First place for ages 12-17 won two rounds at Hardscrabble Country Club and two $25 gift cards to Hardscrabble. First place for ages 9-11 won two rounds at Fianna Hills Country Club, two $20 gift cards to Academy, and one gummy snake from Candy Craze. First place for ages 5-8 won a $50 gift certificate to Bravo Italian Restaurant, a $25 gift card to Academy, and a gummy snake from Candy Craze.

Closest to the pin youth won a $20 gift certificate to Academy and a box of golf balls. The adult closest to the pin won an oil change at Jim Grizzle, coupon off mechanical work, and some koozies.

Isaac and his dad, Jeremy Parker, have won their division for the previous three years. Isaac began playing around the age of 3. He plays golf with his dad every chance they get.

"My favorite part of the tournament is down at the driving range because you use your driver,” Isaac said.

Jeremy Parker likes the First Tee program because "the skills they teach begin at a young age and they teach them even as they grow older. I like the fact that they teach respect and etiquette to the kids."

On Aug. 10, First Tee will conduct their skills competition and golf ball drop fundraiser. Tickets will become available next week. The golf balls this year will be dropped from a fire truck ladder instead of a helicopter.

The youth selling the most tickets to the Aug. 10 event will win $100 and the youth who sells the winning ticket will win $100. The prize ball that goes into the hole will win $5,000. Cost of tickets is $10.