The stage was set with four sports legends competing for 9 holes to support two local charities. MLB Hall of Famer, Ozzie Smith, Professional Golfer, Jack Nicklaus, St. Louis Blues head coach, Craig Berube, and Professional Golfer, Tom Watson represented PGA REACH Gateway and First Tee of Greater St. Louis. These legends played their hearts out, greeted cheering fans, and soaked in every second of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. PGA REACH President, Ozzie Smith, summed up his thoughts after the event saying, “What can I say other than this was one of the highlights of my sporting life. I played with Jack Nicklaus today, as his partner to raise funds for PGA REACH Gateway.”
There were two other special individuals that walked alongside Smith and Nicklaus for the match. Gateway Section President, Brett Moomey and Gateway PGA Junior League golfer, Kylie Seacrest, were chosen as scorer and standard-bearer for Team PGA REACH Gateway. The pair scored a front-row seat for each swing of the afternoon. “Once in a lifetime afternoon today at the Ascension Charity Classic. Thanks, PGA REACH Gateway Foundation for this opportunity with four sports icons up close and personal.”, said Moomey.
The format of the tournament was that each hole was set at a value to be won by the pair that won the hole. Much to everyone’s surprise, after the final putt was made on the 18th green, it was announced that each charity would be walking home with $30,000 to support their missions. PGA REACH Gateway Chair, Sue Rector shared, “PGA REACH Gateway’s Board of Directors and Staff are so appreciative for the incredible donation of $30,000 from “The Legends Charity Challenge”! Having our President Ozzie Smith and our National Trustee Jack Nicklaus play for our organization was beyond any dream team we could have ever imagined! These dollars will significantly help us to continue our work to improve lives within the communities we serve.”.
PGA REACH Gateway would like to thank the Ascension Charity Classic for hosting this event, the sports icons for participating, and the presenting sponsor, World Wide Technology.