Thursday and Friday’s rain put a little bit of a damper on qualifying rounds for the July 30 Million Dollar Hole in One opportunity – during which golfers could potentially win $1 million and/or a brand new car, courtesy of Urse Honda.

 

The initiative – which combines the challenge with music and fun – is a project of Medbrook Children’s Charity and all proceeds will benefit that non-profit organization which helps local area children by providing clothing, personal items and physical examinations. Overseeing the charity – which is largely funded by an annual golf tournament - is local physician, Kelly Nelson. Heading up the Million Dollar Hole in One fundraiser is Bridgeport’s Gene Weaver.

 

“Kelly is always looking for exciting, new ideas to add to his golf event,” said Weaver, who approached Nelson with the idea about a year ago. “He put his stamp of approval on it. Everything he does is first-class and he wanted to make sure this was up to those standards.”

 

Those wishing to participate in qualifying rounds can visit Urse Honda – located at I-79, Exit 121 - between 3-9 p.m. today and next Thursday through Saturday (July 27-29). A green has been created on property adjacent to the dealership, where golfers can take a swing for winning major prizes.

 

“Participants pay $5 for three shots and every dollar raised goes directly to Medbrook Children’s Charity,” Weaver said. “What we’ve found already is people buy their $5 worth, hit their three balls, then buy more chances. It’s a very fun event.”

 

The first qualifier was held Thursday. About 40 individuals participated, Weaver said.

 

“The last hour and a half kind of got rained out,” he said.

 

The same rainy scenario followed during the early hours of Friday's qualifier, but several still took a shot. Weaver is confident that the remaining days will bring out many who want to support the cause, as well as advance to semifinal and final rounds of the competition.

 

“That will take place July 30 at the Medbrook Children’s Charity Golf Tournament at Pete Dye Golf Club.

 

Following the tourney and during the cocktail/dinner portion of the event, the six qualifiers – as well as an additional qualifier who shoots closest to pin on Hole 7 that day – will compete in preliminaries.

 

“At the semifinal round, they will shoot from a T-box on the driving range to the designated hole which Gary Grandstaff is erecting for us,” Weaver said. “If someone gets a hole in one, they win a new car and the five golfers closest to pin then move on the finals and all five will shoot for the million dollars. So someone actually has a chance to win both.”

 

Watching the competition will be participants of the tournament as this year’s dinner is being held under a tent on the driving range, Weaver said. Emceeing the hole in one semis and finals will be Kelly Nelson.

 

Medbrook Children’s Charity encompasses the Children’s Apparel Program and School Nurses’ Discretionary Fund, as well as provides free sports physicals to hundreds of Harrison County high school athletes each year.