Talk about a good cause – and a perfect fit to run it.
Longtime golf teaching professional Rick Grayson spends his days at Rivercut Golf Course and, if you’ve ever been lucky to chat with him, you quickly realize that his heart is in the right place.
He loves golf. Even better, he tries to introduce it to kids who may never been interested before – because of finances, a lack of awareness or what not. That’s why he heads the Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation.
It’s also why the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper, the PGA Tour’s annual Web.com Tour stop in Springfield, is proud to partner with Heart of the Ozarks.
The tournament has generated almost $12 million for children’s charities in its 25-year history. That figure includes a record $1 million-plus last year alone.
“A kid can get started for free (through Heart of the Ozarks),” Grayson said. “It’s not such a financial burden.”
More on the non-profit in a minute. But here’s how to help immediately through our tournament:
SUPPORTING THE PCCC = SUPPORTING CHARITIES
- HELP HEART OF THE OZARKS JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION: To help the foundation in any way, call Rivercut Golf Course at 417-891-1645.
- FOR GOLF FANS, WIN PRIZES: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket serves as a four-day tournament pass, but it’s better than that. It enters you to win daily prizes during the tournament as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2015 Ford Mustang.
- TICKET REVENUE GOES WHERE: Contact the local charity of your choice, simply because they receive revenue directly from those TLC Property Charity Sweepstakes tickets marked with their names.
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the daily newsletter, website or through several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Additionally, restaurants, clothing stores and entertainment stops and such are asked to donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball Charity Auction.
- WHEN, WHERE: The tournament is Aug. 7-17 at Highland Springs Country Club, with the pros beginning play Aug. 13. Contact the PCCC staff at 417-887-3400.
More about Heart of the Ozarks
The organization was found in the year 2000 as way to cover the costs of lessons, equipment and greens for youngsters who otherwise may not be able to play golf.
Rivercut offers a four-hole kids course, for instance, allowing youth to hit short shots – rather than needing to drive the ball 50 yards. It is open seven days a week.
“It’s a fun course because it’s not overwhelming for them,” Grayson said. “You try to get them on there and get them hooked. They can do things they can’t do on a regular course.”
The foundation uses its PCCC dollars toward buying equipment and apparel for Kickapoo and Glendale golfers, allowing the schools to direct their athletic department dollars elsewhere.
In turn, the Kickapoo and Glendale golfers volunteer during the PCCC by marshaling holes.
“They have to do something,” Grayson said, “to receive that money.”