NGA Tournament Update

          We are now less than a month away from the start of the first professional golf tournament ever played in Perquimans County.  Little Hertford will soon be able to boast of being not only the hometown of Jim “Catfish” Hunter, but also the home of the Biggs Cadillac-Buick-GMC Classic.  The NGA professional golf tour is about to put Hertford on America’s sports map.

          On June 23^rd, professional golfers will arrive for their first practice round on Albemarle Plantation’s Sound Golf Links.  These stars of the future will be challenged by a course that demands precision on the fairways and finely honed skills on the greens.  They will discover that short does not necessarily mean easy.
          The first round of the tournament actually begins on Thursday, June 26^th, but it will be preceded by fun events on Tuesday like the Shootout and the Long Drive contest, and the Pro-Am on Wednesday. 
          The Pro-Am and the minor sponsorships are especially important to this community, because these sponsorships by individuals and local businesses will add significantly to the proceeds of the week-long event.  Combined with major sponsorships by Biggs, FedEx, Vidant Chowan, and Griggs Lumber in conjunction with Albemarle Preferred Builders, they now exceed $60,000 in projected revenues.  As previously announced, net proceeds from the week-long event will be donated to the Albemarle Food Bank.
          Even though sponsorships to date have already assured the financial success of this tournament, there is room for more.  Businesses in Perquimans County and surrounding areas who have not yet responded to solicitations are encouraged to take advantage of this unique fund-raising opportunity.  Having more sponsors means a greater contribution to a worthy cause.
          Finally, for county residents who would like to come as spectators on one of the tournament days from Thursday to Sunday, June 26-29, tickets are available for $5 at Woodard’s Pharmacy and the Sound Golf Links pro shop.   When it comes to feeding the hungry, every little bit counts.