Tidewater Patriot Day Charity Golf Tournament on Labor Day

Labor Day is not only a day to celebrate workers rights or the unofficial end to summer, but it is also considered Patriot Golf Day.

During the Labor Day weekend, many golf courses will donate a $1 or more to Patriot Golf Day which raises funds for wounded warriors. The Tidewater Charity Tournament Committee (TCTC) located in North Myrtle Beach didn’t want to just add $1 to greens fee, they decided to hold the Tidewater Patriot Day Charity Golf Tournament.

Chairperson Bill Pearson works tirelessly for the (TCTC). He is retired and happy to be in a position to be able to promote this charity. The group works to raise money all year round for various charities, but the tournament is the biggest fundraiser and has been worked on from January to October.

“I don’t run a golf tournament; I bring a circus to town and disguise it as a golf tournament,” says Pearson. There are several reasons this tournament is well attended with the #1 attraction being the 275 yd hole by a local big hitter. There is a contest to try to put the ball in the outline of American flag, and another to win a 2 year car lease, both of which add some “sizzle”. The contests are set up so any team can win nice prizes without skill which adds prestige to the event. The team that donates most the money will also get new Titleist wedge.

Pearson also believes that the reason tournament has grown is that they partnered with the Folds of Honor Foundation (Folds). This is the third year teaming with them, adopted as one of the tournament charities. Folds’ main fundraiser is the Patriot Golf Day held over the long Labor Day weekend. Besides Folds, TCTC is also donating to the North Strand Helping Hand, Little River Medical Center, Miles for Smiles dental care for children, and SOS Healthcare.

The tournament is set for Saturday, Sept 1 to September 3, 2012. The ceremonial first shot will be taken by wounded warriors, whose family has been invited to participate in many events. Host families have been provided for each wounded warriors family to ensure everyone has a great time.

The public is invited on the first day to watch the Dennis Walter show, which offers inspiration and encourages people to follow their dreams in a fun and entertaining funny way; he offers a message about overcoming obstacles.

During the tournament, many in the community are coming out to ensure a fun time. On the 3rd tee box, Damon’s will cook ribs and pass them out to the golfers. On the 9th tee box, Firehouse Subs will be giving out chocolate chip cookies. On the 14th green, spectators are encouraged to visit with Rick Kaplan of Canine Angels. There will also be free burgers, hot dogs and drinks. And if you are still hungry, Outback will cater a luncheon.

TCTC works hard all year to be creative in holding other fundraisers. At Grill Wheel night, people come to a buffet at Tidewater where there is a Wheel of Fortune in the lobby: $5 is donated for 3 spins and then all the points from the spins are added to be redeemed for prizes. There is a chart of prizes from golf balls up to a $250 gift certificate at the Pro Shop.

Another fundraiser, held late April to early May on the golf course at hole 3 overlooking the Cherry Grove Inlet at Hogg Inlet. For a $20 donation, a golfer can win prizes for various activities. Since this is prime time golf season, they usually get a great response and the money raised goes into general fund of TCTC and earmarked for Folds of Honor.

“As good as you make it, your first job after it’s over is to make it better next year, “according to Pearson.