Local golfers are polishing their clubs and opening their checkbooks in anticipation for Maricopa’s premier charity golf tournament – the ninth annual Maricopa Golf Classic – to be held April 15 at The Duke.

For the past eight years, the Maricopa Golf Classic has mobilized members of the golfing community and other residents in an attempt to raise money and awareness for organizations which provide much needed services to veterans and first responders.

Event coordinator Marty Hermanson said the tournament is all about recognizing and taking care of those who protect us, domestically and abroad.

“It’s something we do because we like to honor our vets,” Hermanson said. “We like to honor all of our police officers, firefighters and first responders for all their dedication.”

When the event began in 2008, they raised $250 for each of the participating charities. Undaunted by the initial low return, Marty and his wife Brenda pressed on and by 2016, the annual event was raising considerably more.

“It’s amazing,” Brenda Hermanson said. “Last year, after expenses, we were able to get $15,000 for the charities ($7,500 each).”

Though they recognize the dramatic growth the tournament has seen over the years, in 2017 they are hoping for even more.

“The goal is to give at least $18,000 this year,” Marty Hermanson said. “That’s just a goal, but hopefully we’ll make it.”

Participants will have their shot at not only competing in the golf tournament but also smaller challenges along the way, including a putting contest where three golfers will stand a chance to win $50,000.

In previous years, the tournament has benefited the Wounded Warrior Project and the 100 Club. This year the 100 Club is joined by the American Service Animal Society and the local VFW Post 12043.

Registration for the tournament is open through the website until the day of the event. On-site registration will be open at The Duke from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. the day of the tournament.

Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl and the MPD Color Guard will conduct a brief invocation prior to the 8 a.m. shotgun start.

Registration costs are $125 a person, or $500 for a four-person team. Lunch is provided for an additional $25. And, of course, donations can be made in any amount, small or large.

This story appears in the April issue of InMaricopa.

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