This month, the Belleair Country Club played host to the Fifth Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the UDT-SEAL Association. This event has become a favorite amongst participants at Belleair Country Club and has seen tremendous growth since its inception.
There were many highlights including the opportunity for major sponsors to play with a retired or active-duty warrior as their fifth man – some associated with SOWF, representatives from the UDT- SEAL Association, and Soldiers from MacDill Air Force Base. Notable special guests included: Lauren Thompson from the Golf Channel, and Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks played Captain Phillips in the film: Captain Phillips), who served as captain of the MV Maersk Alabama during it’s hijacking by Somali Pirates.
The day featured a round of golf on the popular and Florida’s first golf course, a cocktail hour following play, a prime rib buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, raffles, and presentations from both organizations. Golf participants had the opportunity to bid on a variety of exciting prizes, including a one-hour flight in a C-130 flight simulator (donated by CAE Inc.), two custom engraved knives signed by Medal of Honor SEALS, the chance to play golf with Captain Phillips, and a five (5) day fishing trip in Costa Rica aboard a 64’ Viking Sport Fishing Boat.
SOWF, and on behalf of the the UDT-SEAL Association, would like to express our sincere thanks to the participants, sponsors, Belleair Country Club members, and volunteers of the 5th Annual Belleair Country Club Golf Tournament. We would especially like to recognize the Belleair Planning Committee comprised of: George Mariani, Joe Oder, Pete Chiefari, and Bryan King — your collective efforts translated to the most money ever raised for this spectacular golf tournament, in turn providing educations to children of the fallen. Thank you!
