First Tee at Carrollwood

As an occasional writer/contributor to Golf Central Magazine over the past 10+ years, I’ve told stories of other people’s tournaments, but this time, I get to tell you about hosting my own tournament benefiting the First Tee of Tampa. As an Advisory Board Member of the First Tee of Tampa I hosted a 4-person scramble tournament at Carrollwood Country Club on July 18th. Professional and personal friends, and folks just wanting to support the First Tee came out to play and enjoy the camaraderie and compete for trophies, and awesome prizes! We dodged a few rain showers, but for this time of the year in Florida, the morning served up partly cloudy and breezy conditions for some great competition. We had a 3-way tie for first place, and had to go deep into a scorecard playoff to crown the winner. Big “Thanks” to the Tampa Bay Rays, Innisbrook Resort, Lakewood National, Edwin Watts, Garrison Brothers Bourbon, Proximo Spirits, Brittany Sales Fine Wine & Spirits, Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey, and Carrollwood Country Club. LPGA/World Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson was kind enough to donate several bottles of wine and spirits for the lucky winners of the Closest to the Pin contests, and several of the raffle baskets. I promised breakfast, a 4.5 hour round, lunch, and great auction and raffle items. We didn’t fall short of expectations. If you are interested in participating in July 2023 Tournament as a participant, sponsor, or would like to make a donation, please contact Bob Bolton, bbolton@teetimeflorida.com.