Golf tournament raises funds for FOP, Safe Harbor

Published 4:19 pm Friday, August 16, 2013

A member of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department drops golf balls over the driving range at Cambrian Ridge prior to the start of the 14th annual Pro-Law Am Golf Tournament. The popular golf ball drop will be part of this year’s event, which is scheduled for Sept. 4. (File Photo)

A member of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department drops golf balls over the driving range at Cambrian Ridge prior to the start of the 14th annual Pro-Law Am Golf Tournament. The popular golf ball drop will be part of this year’s event, which is scheduled for Sept. 4. (File Photo)

The 15th annual Camellia Communications Pro-Law-Am Golf Tournament is slated for Sept. 4 at Cambrian Ridge, and the forecast is looking cloudy with a chance of golf balls.

The four-man-scramble tournament will cost $100 per person ($60 for law enforcement officers), and the proceeds will go toward the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center (Safe Harbor) as well as the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 39.

The fee includes 18 holes of championship golf, a cart, free range balls, use of the practice green, prizes, dinner and an awards ceremony.

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“The funds are used for the local fraternal order of police to help our local officers in times of need, such as in a medical crisis or a home emergency — things that normal insurance might not cover,” said Mark Harold, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles officer.

“We’d also like to extend thanks to Safe Harbor and the great assistance they provide law enforcement and children in our area in dealing with the crimes that they might be victims of.”

And though the tournament is largely meant to appeal to golfers, one particular aspect of the tournament has drawn crowds of golf enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike for the past 15 years.

The golf ball drop involves a Dale County Sheriff’s Office helicopter flying roughly 200 feet above a hole on the driving range with a large duffel bag full of golf balls.

The balls are all marked with a number that corresponds to an owner’s ticket.

One of the deputies will then lean out of the helicopter and dump the bag of golf balls out directly above the hole.

The individual whose ticket corresponds to the numbered ball nearest to the hole will win $500 and, if the ball actually lands in the hole, the prize doubles to $1,000.

“Last year, we had one to land in the hole; it was the first time that ever happened, and it really killed our profit too,” Harold joked.

“But it’s a great opportunity for people that don’t play golf to be able to contribute to this wonderful cause.”

The golf balls cost $10 each and, although the winner does not have to be present to receive the prize, participation is encouraged.

Chances on the golf ball drop can be purchased with the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Registration for the tournament begins at 11:30 a.m., and the tournament will begin at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Cambrian Ridge at (334) 382-9787 or the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center at (334) 382-8584.