AUGUSTA, Ga – The Augusta University Golf Programs hosted the annual Birdie Club Social on November 3 followed by the Birdie Club Scramble on November 4. The Birdie Club was established in the early 2000's and has continued the fundraiser golf tournament tradition every year.
 
The Birdie Club Social, sponsored by Simmons Bank, was held at the 3M Highgate house on Thursday evening. The social welcomed all Scramble participants, hole sponsors, Birdie Club members, Augusta Golf Association members, and Augusta University players and coaches. The event featured silent auctions, a 'meet the players' segment, raffle items, and hors d'oeuvres.
 
Over 112 took to Forest Hills Golf Course – Augusta University's home course – the following day to take part in the annual Birdie Club Scramble. Silent auctions and a putting contest opened the event prior to lunch being provided by Anderson Horticultural Group.
 
According to the Birdie Club President Emmett Turner, the event has grown in popularity and size over the years. "We had a sellout crowd of 28 teams this year," said Turner. "Our event is special because within each foursome a current or former alumni AU golfer is placed in each group. It gives our donors and participants a chance to interact and play golf with the current student athletes. This aspect of our event separates our golf event from a typical golf fundraiser and the most typical feedback comment we receive from those playing is how much the love interacting with the current players!"
 
"The Birdie Club Scramble is such an important date on our calendar each year," said head men's golf coach Steven Paine. "The support we receive from the community is overwhelming. Without the generosity of our donors and supporters none of what we do would be possible. Our Men's and Women's Golf programs are so fortunate to have the support of the Birdie Club and its members, it's honestly unlike anything I've ever seen in college golf. We were able to raise a lot of money which will go towards both programs needs throughout the year. I'd also like to say a big thank you to Emmett Turner and Dr. Michael Ash who did a phenomenal job running the event."
 
In total, the event raised just over $50,000. The majority of those funds will be split evenly between the men's and women's programs to support their annual operating budget. The proceeds from the raffle this year (approximately $3500) benefited the Rhonda Graybeal scholarship endowment to benefit the women's golf program.
 
"On behalf of Augusta University Golf, I want to thank the Birdie Club members for their unwavering support," said head women's golf coach Caroline Haase-Hegg. "We would not be able to compete and support our student athletes at the division 1 level without you.I'm especially grateful that the Birdie Club board members used this year's raffle to support the Rhonda Graybeal Scholarship. Thank you to Emmett Turner and the entire board for all you do for us on a daily basis."
 
"The social and golf outing are first class events and Emmett Turner, our golf coaches, and the Birdie Club leadership do a fantastic job with both," said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "The Birdie Club is a difference maker for our golf programs and we are extremely grateful for all their support."
 
To join the Birdie Club, visit www.birdieclubaugusta.com
 
 
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