First Annual Panhandle Classic March 19

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)-Florida Baptist amateur golfers will have the opportunity to further mission work through their favorite game during the first annual Jack Grayson Panhandle Classic March 19 at the Panama Country Club in Lynn Haven. Participating golfers and sponsors will help underwrite the Convention’s disaster relief response, which provides assistance to families fallen victim to disaster in the state, the nation and internationally. The tournament, sponsored by the Florida Baptist Credit Union and the Florida Baptist Convention’s Discipleship and Family and Florida Baptist Men departments, is named in honor of Jack Grayson, a former member of the disaster relief ministry.

“Jack Grayson’s two passions were golf and Florida Baptist Disaster Relief,” said Fritz Wilson, director of the Baptist Men’s Department.

Before his unexpected death, Grayson shared with Wilson and others his desire to develop a golf fund raiser in the panhandle to accompany the annual Florida Baptist Open held in Central Florida. “We are proud to make his dream of furthering disaster relief response through this tournament a reality,” Wilson said.

Play begins at 8 a.m. Cost is $75 per person and includes unlimited range balls prior to the tournament, greens fee and cart rental. The cost also includes a buffet lunch/awards presentation for participating golfers immediately following the tournament. Door prizes and first, second and third place prizes will be given to teams closest to the hole every par 3 and longest drive in the fairway. Registration is in two or four man teams only, and two man teams will be randomly paired to make a four-man team. For registration, more information or a list of area hotels, contact the Florida Baptist Men Department at 800-226-8584, ext. 3121. Businesses can sponsor a hole for $300, which includes entry for one player in the tournament. A $1,000 hole sponsorship includes free entry for an entire team. Persons interested in becoming a hole sponsor or donating door prizes should contact Fritz Wilson at 800-226-8584, ext. 3121