A Very Important Tee Time

ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE ANNOUNCES STUDENTS WILL GOLF WITH DONORS IN ITS SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT MARCH 1

St. Philip's College announced today student golfers are practicing for a very important tee time---the college's Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament March 1 at 8 a.m. at The Republic Golf Club at 4226 S.E. Military Drive.

Since 2008, the tournaments timed to coincide with the college’s anniversary observances have raised more than $1 million for about 500 students through the college's Scholarship Fund. More than 1,500 golfers have swung for this innovative charity with the college since the event began in 2008. About 100 of the “tourney alumni” return season after season, and 150 should enter for the March 1 event, said Dr. Sharon Crockett-Ray, the college’s director of institutional advancement.

Of 13 college gofers pledged to play, two are returning early college high school students, and a few additional students from Sam Houston High School’s golf team may participate, according to an organizer of student golfers for the tournament.

The team of students is coached by 1987 college alumnus and San Antonio Junior Golf Association CEO Larry Whitfield. He brings a U.S. Golf Teachers Federation Master Golf Teaching professional certification and a federation psychological certification for playing golf to help the students. And he has given back by organizing the tournament for the college since the project’s inception 11 years ago.

“Four of our students golfing this year are welding students. Those welders? They’ve already gone out and purchased golf clubs,” said Whitfield. “Our former students also play on courses around the city, and I play with them as well,” Whitfield said. “I’m also excited to encourage women on the student team to golf and keep on golfing. There’s billions in golf scholarships for women, that go untouched every year,” Whitfield said.

Also for 2019, a car from tournament supporter and 100-year-old business Jordan Ford can be claimed with a hole-in-one on tournament Hole 3, organizers announced today. 

The donors are an effective economic engine who help a vibrant community college make San Antonio a better San Antonio as a team. A Student Engagement Grant initiative funded by tourney proceeds inspires faculty to develop innovative projects where students experience while San Antonio benefits. In turn, proceeds from the goodwill project fund tuition and textbook costs for students who pledge to serve by gaining knowledge, engaging and giving back in real-time through a bevy of innovative service with organizations that help people.

Golfer/donor e-registration is underway at http://hdsdc.aplrealestate.com/spc/golf-tournament/ for the March 1 event, and all are welcome to contact tournament project lead Dr. Sharon Crockett-Ray at 210-486-2887, scrockett-bell@aplrealestate.com for details. (Images of student golfers and donor golfers (247) are archival SPC images)