Senesi Classic could have best field ever in 2011

By Wes Holtsclaw
Star Staff
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 One of Elizabethton's top annual golf events is less than two weeks away with limited spots remaining.

 The top annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton and Carter County, the Dino Senesi Golf Classic will invade the Elizabethton Golf Course on Monday, June 8th.

 At just $100 per golfer, teams of four will battled it out in the one-day tournament under a select shot format with prizes on the line, all while supporting a great cause.

 Boys & Girls Club director John Malone feels as if this year's tournament is going to be one of the best yet.

 "In my opinion, this is going to be one of the best tournament's we've had in a long time," Malone said. "Because of the sponsors we have and the amount of prizes and participation, I anticipate this being one of the best tournament's we have in years. 

"We do still have some spots available for golfers. It's $100 per person for a four-man team. It's a charitable donation, but you'll certainly get your money's worth and then some."

 All proceeds from the tournament help fund operations at the Boys & Girls Club each year, providing various things for local youth.

 "The Dino's tournament is kind of our wish list money," said Malone. "It gives us the opportunity to buy things for the kids. We've bought pool tables, new computers, so many things that as the years go buy you need to replace, update or renew. The tournament is perfect for that."

 Lunch will once-again be provided to golfers by Outback Steakhouse of Johnson City. Teams will begin teeing off with a shotgun start between 12 and 12:30 p.m. Drinks will be provided on the course by Coca-Cola.

 When the tournament concludes, dinner will be provided by Bojangles as door prizes are given away.

 On top of that, golfers receive a shirt and hat, golf towels, golf balls and water bottles plus an opportunity to win prizes awarded for a putting contest, closest to the pin and longest drive on various holes.

 "Ingles has stepped up and gave us some great prizes for the contest this year," Malone said. "A special thank you to Citizens Bank who bought the shirts again this year, making it 14 years in a row. There's some corporate sponsors, Climate Controllers are providing not only a corporate sponsorship, but golf towels, golf balls and water bottles for every golfer out there. We've got some people participating who are very excited about the event. It's going to be a great deal for everybody."

You never know who will participate in the event. Aside from local dignitaries, former professional athletes and University of Tennessee standouts and coaches have filled the greens have filled the greens in previous years.

 To register, interested parties should call the Boys & Girls Club at (423) 543-2946 with a team name and players participating.

Malone noted that the tournament is over halfway full, with only 144 spots available, so interested golfers should correspond with the club as soon as possible.

 "It's an opportunity for everybody to give back, yet at the same time you'll have a great time and support a great cause," added Malone. "You'll get to play golf and eat great food. The amount of prizes and things you get is invaluable. It's one of those things where it's a community event as much as it is a Boys & Girls Club event. People talk about the Dino's tournament all year round. It's a legend in itself at this point which is wonderful."

Originally published in the Elizabethton Star
Wednesday, May 27, 2009