By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



For all those Tiger Woods wannabes, the Gardendale High School Tom Smith Homecoming Golf Tournament offers a chance to tee-up and show North Jefferson County your golf swing.

The Parent Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) of Gardendale High School is sponsoring the 15th annual golf tournament at Castle Pines Golf Course on Oct. 5 in order to raise money for the high school’s needs.

“This is a major fund-raiser for Gardendale High School’s PTSA, so we really need teams to sign up and play golf. A little goes a long way,” member of PTSA Rachel Carver said.

After a shotgun start at 8 a.m., the tournament will commence with a game of four-man scramble. Although door prizes are available for all players, the team closest to the pin and with the longest drive will be deemed the winners, receiving special prizes.

The entry fee is $75 for individuals and $300 for teams, but this includes door prizes, breakfast and lunch. If businesses want to become involved, they can sponsor a team for $300, sponsor a hole for $100 or donate gift certificates and door prizes.

President of Gardendale High School’s PTSA Susan Rice said more than 100 people participated last year and expects more people this year because of the positive response. “Everyone leaves having had a good breakfast, played a good game and a received a good door prize,” Rice said. “It’s a lot of fun. It really is.”

Last year the money raised from the tournament bought two ping-pong tables and several picnic tables. Since the high school is in a transitional state, waiting for the new building, the students don’t have a gymnasium. Although the two outside basketball courts act as a place for physical education, the ping-pong tables have served as an inside recreational activity when it rains.

Rice said this wouldn’t have been possible without the support and participation of the community. “Reaching out and watching the community come back with so much support was incredible.”

Not only does the golf tournament support Gardendale High School, but it also honors Tom Smith, the voice of Rocket football for more than 20 years. Smith passed away several years ago from cancer, but the PTSA made sure he would not be forgotten by naming the golf tournament after him.

When talking of Smith, Rice said he thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the high school. She also said that’s the reason she manages projects like the golf tournament. “I sure enjoy doing what I do,” she said. “I do it for no one else but the children.”

For more information call Susan Rice at 631-8350 or 281-8348.