On August 5th, 2011 local bar / restaurant The Turtle Club in conjunction with Buy Rite Liquors held their 1st ever golf tournament at Black Bear Golf Club located in Franklin, NJ. The tournament raised $12,000 for the Robert Wood Johnson Cancer Center - Sarala Bathena Fund. Over 160 golfers came together to raise money for the charity.

The event was like no other though. At almost every tee was an alcohol beverage tasting table provided by the various different liquor makers. The tables offered golfers samples of their concoctions to those that wanted them free of charge. Vodka, Gin, Wine and Beer helped and failed every golfer this day.

The day started with 2 buses leaving Hoboken and Jersey City to the course. Upon arrival at the course all players checked in and received their carts, partners and goody bags. The goody bags consisted of complimentary Calloway golf balls, mini bottles of various liquors, hats, t shirts and various other knick knacks.

Prior to the shotgun start all players were able to loosen up on the course driving range and putting green. Many golfers also utilized the club house bar prior to hitting the links. At 1pm the best ball scramble started and all 40 plus foursomes made their way to their starting holes to begin the day.

There were several contests throughout the day including a few closest to the pins and longest drive. At around 6pm the golfers ended their rounds and turned in their golf scores to the pro shop. After the round the bar offered an open bar for all the golfers and a free dinner buffet. At the dinner the awards were handed out. 3 teams tied for 1st place with scores of 13 under par. Golfer Mike Nelson won the longest Drive contest and Corey Angelo won the closest to the pin contest. A future playoff will decide who will win and don the Turtle Club green jackets as winners.

The 3 teams that tied for 1st place were.
Chris Marzoli
Palmer Emmitt
Trevor Emmitt
Sean Emmitt

Dave Bonney
Rich Higgins
J.C. Boggs
Ryan Reese

Cory Checket
Marshall Checket
Matt Friel
Corey Angelo

Raffle tickets were sold after the event and tickets were called all night long for an endless array of amazing prizes. I myself won a new Amstel Light bicycle and a surveillance system. Other prizes won were various at home Poker tables, skateboards, drivers, putters, golf bags, liquor packages, clothing and etc.

The end of the event saw many golfers take the buses back home to Hoboken and Jersey City. The ride was eventful as many of the bus riders were heckling the bus driver for making illegal turns and running red lights all the way home. The entire day was a lot of fun and I was happy to have taken part in such a well put together event. I am sure that many golfers look forward to next year's event. Good job to all of those that made the event possible and assisted at the course. You all did a wonderful job.