“Jazz’ N Tee Seventeenth Annual Golf Classic”
Jazz ‘N Tee, what a great concept. I personally can’t think of a better idea, or a better way to spend a perfect day. Perhaps I say this because Jazz and golf are two of my favorites
social activities.
Whether you’re an amateur golfer, or on any given day you can hang with the best. You know that sometimes you’re golfing for the sake of a leisurely afternoon, and sometimes you’re golfing because you are craving the challenge. You know when you sign-up to participate in a tournament, you are craving the challenge, so as I see it the best antidote for after a long challenging day of golf, is dining, enjoying a smooth cold drink, and listening to live Jazz.
On October 4th 2013, Verda Lyons AKA “ The Golf Lady” Chaired, and hosted The 17th Annual Jazz ‘N Tee Golf Classic at the Westridge 18 hole Golf Course, in La Habra, California. Let me tell you that the “Golf Lady” is one creative, well organized and hard working lady. Verda is also a par-tee golf event manager, Golf Tournament Consultant, and serves as Chapter President for GTAA that service the L.A. Metro, and Beach Cities, in Southern California. Co-Chairs for this event were Cheryl Alexander, Llana Hall, and Tina Jones, and a host of awesome committee members. Jazz “N Tee’s primary purpose is to raise money for scholarships.
Above, L-Rt: Tina Jones, Co-Chair with Audrey Coley, 1st place winner Ladies Longest Drive
As Most of you know I have often spoken or written about my Aha moments, however most of you didn’t know, until now, that this bloggers top of the list, two favorite social things are Jazz and Golf, so when I was made aware of this tournament by the AAGD, and that it was being held right here in my back yard, I started biting at the bit to be a part of this exciting classic event. Being invited to participate in this golf tournament, my friends, was the primo of all my “Aha” golf associated moments.
I Confess, I am not always perfect: Due to heavy traffic, and the fact that I was totally unfamiliar with the area where the tournament was being held, I was late on arrival and missed the pre-tournament festivities so I will quote, The Golf Lady, with her approval, of what took place. “The pre-tournament buzz of our seventeenth Annual Celebration began with a Grand Reunion of many, getting in the ‘swing of things’ at the driving range, and joining the bragging rights competition in the putting challenge featuring one of our tournament regulars Bernie Walker AKA “Musty Putter.” (what a name), and I say this with a warm smile.
Above: 18 year old Aaron Howerton, 3rd place winner of Low Gross Men
Approximately 120 people came out to support this fundraiser, this figure includes 40 paid golfers, and 80 supporters that showed-up to attended the awards Reception and listen to the sounds of, Jazz Trio “Christopher Keys and Friends”: With Christopher Keys on keyboard ~ Danny Morledge on drums, Romero Williams on base, with special guest vocalist, Beverly Powell, supporters also came to the reception for the Great opportunity drawing prizes. The event raised enough money to support scholarships that will provide assistance to deserving young students who don’t have the financial means to attend college without help. This year the fundraiser proceeds went to the Dwight Majors Memorial scholarship fund, and to Huston Tillotson University, Austin Texas.
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Above: “bragging rights”
This is the first year that I’ve attended/ participated in this particular golf fundraiser, and I can say that from my point of view, all aspects of this Golf Tournament planning process were well executed, and I Applaud the organizers and committee members for a job well done.
I was most impressed with the one and only Teen-aged golfer, 18 years old Aaron Howerton, a graduate of Pioneer High School, in Whittier, California who came fired-up, with golf clubs in hand, eager to play, and was not intimidated by the “Old Timers” Aaron took 3rd place in the Low Gross Men Category.
Above: Jazz Trio “Christopher Keys and Friends”
Jazz ‘N Tee Golf 2013 winners in Low Gross Men were: 1st place Derry Hood ~ Ceasar Scott 2nd place: Reuben Bakkar ~ Jim Dohn: 3rd Place Aaron Howerton ~ Joe Venters
Low Gross Mixed winners were: 1st place D’Eidra Lyons ~ Ron Ross: 2nd Place Robin Thorne ~ Eric Hunt 3rd Place Sherita Herring ~ Marshall Campbell. Closest to the Pin winners were Ladies: Robin Thorne ~ Men: Charlie Wyatt. Longest Drive winners: Ladies: Audrey Coley ~ Men: Eric Wade. Master putter winners: James Ellis ~ Felix Pollard.
Let me end this blog with telling you about my “OH my God please save me moment. It was a very Hot Day in October, and the committee was prepared for the comfort of the golfers, they had refrigerated ice cold face towels placed in sandwich bags, and plenty of ice cold water. By mid-afternoon Tina Jones, co-chair decided she should take a golf cart and go out on the course, and supply the golfers with fresh cold wet towels, and water. She asked me if I wanted to ride with her, and that perhaps I could take more pictures, I agreed.
Tina started-up the golf cart looked at me smiling and said “Hold on!”, apparently she thought she was competing in the Daytona 500, driving like a wild bat out of hell, making sharp turns often on 2 wheels, flying in the air down hills, landing with the cart leaning over. I sat there quietly praying, holding on for dear life with one hand, and holding my camera with the other. We were probably only out on the course for 20 minutes, however it felt like 2 hours. Needless to say, I took not one picture.
Until next time,
Barbara Taylor
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