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Golf

Tourney to help Wildcat baseball

By MIKE TOMPKINS
Published November 3, 2005

The second annual Wildcat Scramble, benefiting Wesley Chapel's baseball program, has been rescheduled for Nov.19 at Quail Hollow Golf and Country Club.

The tournament, originally set for Oct.22, was postponed because of Hurricane Wilma. A shotgun start is set for 2 p.m.

Cost for the tournament is $60 a player or $240 a foursome. Hole sponsorships are available for $120, and donations are being accepted.

The entry fee includes 18 holes, a cart and dinner afterward.

There will be two longest drive contests, two closest-to-the-pin contests, a putting contest and a hole-in-one contest. A raffle also will be held, and mulligans will be sold.

Because the tournament is benefiting a school, the participation cost, along with any sponsorships or donations, is tax deductible.

The four-person, best-ball scramble is being held to raise money for a trip to Key West to play in an early-season tournament against teams such as Key West, Miami Dr. Kropp and Fort Myers. Key West is the defending Class 3A champion, having beating Orlando Bishop Moore 7-0 in last season's title game.

Wildcats coach Erik Shafer said he believes playing in the tournament will be more beneficial than playing in local tournaments such as Hernando's Tom Varn Invitational.

"We are having our own preseason tournament," said Shafer, whose team went 9-16 last season after a 7-1 start.

"Two of the teams in our tournament (also) are in the Tom Varn. I just feel that if we can go down there and play against some of the top talent in the state, we'll be ready to face the top talent in the county." Shafer said he hopes the golf tournament helps foot the bill for parents who also must pay a participation and tryout fee among others. The cost of the four-day trip is about $7,200.

"I just want them to get that collegiate or professional feel," said Shafer, who starred at Land O'Lakes High and Saint Leo. "I want them to take that long bus ride, gain some of that team camaraderie so that when (the district tournament comes) around, they'll have a good feel. I'm excited for them."

For details about the golf tournament, call Shafer at (813) 245-5739.

What's going on at your course? Contact Mike Tompkins at 813 431-4812 or mtompkins61@

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:06:17]