The parking lot of Fircrest Golf and Country Club begins to get busy as the Bellarmine Booster Golf Classic gets closer to its shotgun start. Men and women meet up with old friends and warm up, preparing and attempting a win at the tournament. Even though many groups hope to win, each player has the same goal: to give back to the school that gave them so much. For many of the people, it is not their first time playing and is definitely not their last.
The annual Booster tournament is a great way for alumni and people connected to Bellarmine to give back and have a fun day out on the course. Each year, the tournament puts on different contests for the participants such as the long drive, closest to the pin, and putting contest. The one competition that is not between the players but, rather, the boys and girls golf teams, is the contest to see which team can raise the most money. The girls are put on the first golf hole and the boys are put on the tenth hole. As the other players make their way to these holes, they can donate money toward the athletic programs to have one of the players tee off for them. Although the boys drive the golf ball far down the middle, the girls always seem to come on top when it comes to raising the money.
As players make their way around the course they enjoy good friends and fun jokes that live on from their high school years. One specific person that had the chance to meet new people during the tournament was Robert Modarelli, Bellarmine’s new president. While enjoying the sunshine, he took a few minutes to share some of his thoughts (see video link). Some of the student players reflected on their experiences as well.
Many people who aren’t involved in athletics at Bellarmine wonder who the Boosters are and what they do. A Booster is anyone who is interested in supporting the school’s athletic program. Although there are many Booster events – the crab feed, raffle, football barbecues, and bus trips to away games – the Booster Golf Classic is one of the biggest supporters of the athletic programs. The 2013 Booster Tournament last Thursday turned out to be another success.