Anna Mancuso Naquin
April 30, 2008
Edna Mae Westbrook Smith Guilfore
May 2, 2008
The American Cancer Society is hosting its 6th annual “Birdies on the Bayou” Golf Championship, Monday, May 5, at the Southern Oaks Golf Club.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Terrebonne Parish unit of the American Cancer Society. Funds raised are invested in the American Cancer Society Research Program, which provides advocacy, patient services and patient programs.
The tournament has raised about $50,000 since its inception. Last year’s event raised over $12,000.
“The great thing about our tournament is that it is open to those weekend duffers, someone who loves to play but isn’t the best player,” said Anne Bates, development representative of the Terrebonne Parish ACS.
The tournament is a four-man scramble format. Registration for four-person teams costs $400. Don’t have a team? No worries. Individuals cost $100; however, individuals will be partnered with a group.
The tournament is divided into three flights, and golfers compete within their own flights against those of similar skill level.
“Flight one is for individuals in foursomes that have an awesomely low handicap,” said Bates. “Flight two is for those on that middle line. Flight three is for individuals who have the higher handicap, and every flight has a winner.”
Twenty-one of 30 slots have been filled so far. Registration deadline is May 2, 2008 at the American Cancer Society office at 614 Barrow St., or call (985) 851-7776.
Local businesses have been very generous this year donating time, effort and food for the event, according to Bates.
Participants will feast on white beans and rice and fried fish. There will also be two locations on the course where barbeque pits will be set up. Golfers can sample barbequed sausage po-boys and other items during their round.
Ann Williams is the main platinum sponsor for this year’s tournament. Trapp Cadillac Chevrolet is sponsoring a hole-in-one contest where the lucky winner could get a Cadillac CTS. For anyone who gets closet to the pin on that same hole, he or she will win two round-trip airfare tickets donated by AirTrans.
Individuals and business wishing to be a sponsor can do so at the ACS office by May 2.
Participants in previous tournaments have included cancer survivors and those who live with the disease. While they do not have to identify themselves as such, Bates says their stories are an inspirational highlight to the festivities.
“It is so wonderful to see people who have battled cancer and come away determined to live a normal, fully functional life as before,” she said.
Ideal for golfers of all skill levels, the 6th annual “Birdies on the Bayou” Golf Championship tees off at the Southern Oaks Golf Club May 5.
