The tenth annual Florida League Celebrity Golf Tournament took place on Sunday November 12th and Monday November 13th at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park.

The annual event is the Florida League’s biggest fundraiser. As a 501c3 non-profit, it takes a budget of roughly $750,000 to operate the League each year. The goal of the golf tournament is to raise 10-15% of that number. The amount of support from baseball celebrities, Florida League supporters and local sponsors helped make the event a success.

Festivities began on Sunday evening at the Pairings Party. More than 150 attendees headed to Interlachen to enjoy a night of food, drinks, guest speakers and unique live auction items. Greg Warmoth, anchor for WFTV - Orlando, did a great job as the Master of Ceremonies for the night. A passionate speech from U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy highlighted the impact of the Florida Lwague on the local community. This year’s live auction included a one-week stay in Tuscany Italy; a week-long stay at any Diamond Resorts location in North America; and a collection of wine including a limited edition Napa Valley bottle that had fewer than 120 bottles produced.

Players returned to the course on Monday morning to prep for the big day. Before tee off, patrons were treated to $100 worth of gear from Nike golf, a buffet brunch, range balls, a putting contest, and the presentation of colors by active duty Marines. Play began around noon with a shotgun start.

As players navigated the gorgeous course, they were treated to activities and giveaways at multiple holes. Sponsors on the course included Dubsdread, who had a FlightScope system set up so players could get an analytical read of their swing; Victory Casino Cruise; Jameson’s Irish Whiskey; Duffy’s Sports Grill; and Look Local Magazine. The most entertaining stop was at Hole #3 were eleven-time World Long Drive finalist Bobby Bradley was set up. For a small donation to the Florida League, groups were able to use Bobby’s drive, putting them about 80 yards from the hole on a long Par 5. Bobby and Christner’s Steakhouse helped raise more than $13,000 on the hole.

Once the round wrapped up, golfers returned to the clubhouse for a gourmet spread as they anxiously awaited the results of the tournament. The winning team, led by newly appointed Chicago Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey, carded an impressive 52 on their way to the title. Three players took home prizes for Closest to the Pin shots: Tom O’Connell (twice), Brendan Rodgers, and Steve Davis. Tampa Bay Rays Top Prospect Brent Honeywell won the Long Drive contest as well as the Accuracy Drive contest.

The 2017 Celebrity Roster included:

Daryl Boston (Chicago White Sox 1st Base Coach)

Dave Carpenter (5 Year MLB Career)

Darnell Coles (Milwaukee Brewers Hitting Coach)

Bruce Crabbe (Pawtucket Red Sox Coach)

Chris Flexen (New York Mets RHP)

Austin Glorius (Boston Red Sox RHP)

Luke Gregerson (Houston Astros RHP)

Jim Hickey (Chicago Cubs Pitching Coach)

Brent Honeywell (Tampa Bay Rays RHP)

Davey Johnson (2x MLB Manager of the Year, 4x World Series Champion)

Micah Johnson (San Francisco Giants INF)

Matt LaPorta (University of Florida Hall of Fame)

Jesse Litsch (Former Toronto Blue Jays LHP)

Luke Maile (Toronto Blue Jays Catcher)

Tyler Marlette (Seattle Mariners Catcher)

Kent Matthes (2011 California League MVP)

Tim Raines Jr. (3 Year MLB Career)

Brendan Rodgers (Colorado Rockies INF)

Eddy Rodriguez (New York Yankees Catcher)

Mike Stanley (15 Year MLB Career)

Eddie Taubensee (11 Year MLB Career)

Ozzie Timmons (Tampa Bay Rays 1st Base Coach)

Ted Tryba (PGA Champions Tour)

Tim Wakefield (2x World Series Champion)

Jemile Weeks (Chicago Cubs INF)