Ellendale Country Club will be the host site for an important fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 18, to assist PGA golf professionals and superintendents in the Gulf States region that have been directly impacted by the two recent hurricanes.

"I have heard so many stories of loss from my fellow golf professionals in the past few weeks that I felt compelled to put this event together in an effort to help," said Rob Bradley, Ellendale’s Director of Golf. "These men and women who have devoted their lives to the great game of golf are hurting. In many cases, they have lost their homes and their jobs all in a matter of hours."

The Gulf States PGA, which comprises all of Louisiana and Mississippi, estimates that as many as 200 of its members were impacted. Bradley is working closely with the Gulf States Section office of the PGA on securing a comprehensive list of names of those professionals directly impacted by the two recent storms. He has asked Carey Spence, superintendent at Ellendale, to also gather the names of the superintendents that have been impacted from the Golf Course Superintendents Association.

"We will give 100 percent of the proceeds to these individuals," said Bradley, who is working to get all food and beverages donated to the event, and he has also contacted numerous manufacturers who will donate all prizes and giveaways. "Everyone contacted to date has been very willing to help. I think with enough support from members in the region, this will be a great event."

Bradley also said that Ellendale has waived greens fees and cart fees for the event, which is a four-person shamble format with gross and net divisions. Participants can make their own teams for the tourney, which will have 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. flights. A $200 minimum donation per person is asked for the entry fee with additional donations appreciated. The deadline for the event is noon on Oct. 16. Bradley has already gotten verbal commitments from Craig Stadler and Pat McGowen, both of who have played on the PGA Tour and are now on the PGA’s Champions Tour. Stadler and McGowen each went pro in the mid-1970s.

"Get a team together and sign up today," Bradley said. "These professionals have devoted their lives to serving the members of their respective clubs. Let us give back in this important way."

For more information on the benefit tournament, call Ellendale by phone (985-876-4394) or e-mail eccgolfshop@bellsouth.net