Local golf tourney to raise funds for good causes

Beau Willadsen and Tiger Woods might not have a lot in common on the golf course. But they do off the course, hosting  tournaments.

Willadsen is in his second year hosting the LGCC Amateur by McDonalds at the La Grande Country Club.

The event is in its second season, taking the place of the Elks tournament.

“It’s too bad the Elks couldn’t host the event anymore, but it’s a great thing to be able to step in and take things over.”

But, as most tournaments go it’s not the play on the fairways or greens that garner the most attention. It’s the causes the tournament generates money for.

The Ronald McDonald House and La Grande High School athletics and activities will benefit the most from the event. The proceeds of the tournament will be split 50-50 between them.

“It’s great to be able to do something like this,” Willadsen said. “Thankfully my wife and I haven’t had to use the Ronald McDonald House. But, I have employees and friends who have.

“Helping out the high school is important too. It gives kids something to do when school is out.”

The Ronald McDonald House was founded in 1974 with the help of then Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill.

Hill’s daughter was in the hospital being treated for leukemia. He and his wife, Kim, slept on benches in the waiting room during their daughter’s stay. That sparked the idea to create a better place for parents to get rest while their children receive medical treatment.

On average the Ronald McDonald Houses serve more than 10,000 families a day. In 2010 the 300th house is scheduled to open.

The tournament festivities kickoff Thursday at 2 p.m. Ronald McDonald will put on a 30 to 40 minute show for kids.

The La Grande Country Club are giving the kids lunch before the show at 1 p.m. Hot dogs and chips will be available free of charge. Coca Cola has donated drinks.

“It’s going to be a great show for the kids,” Willadsen said. “I think the show will center around integrity, but it will be a lot of fun for the kids.”

The golf tournament starts on Friday and runs through Sunday.

Individuals will golf two rounds, with a sole survivor event Sunday.

There will be a dinner and auction Saturday night.

“We wanted to find a way to raise more money for the two causes,” Willadsen said. “Having an auction is a pretty good way to do that.”

Entry is still open for the event, and will close Thursday. The cost is $100 for a LGCC member and $120 for non-members. There are also gross and net skins for an extra $20.

Golfers can purchase extra dinner tickets for $15.

Call Cody Goodan at 963-4241 for more information or stop by the LGCC clubhouse for an entry form.