Joel Bessette, a mortgage originator at Navigant Credit Union, doesn’t mind taking on an extra duty or two.
The same thing holds true for Chris Sabbagh, the assistant branch manager at Navigant’s Manville branch.
The two Navigant staffers have again signed on to co-chair the North Central Chamber of Commerce’s 21st annual Golf Tournament, which will tee off on Monday, July 14, at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln.
And if pre-tourney talk offers any measuring stick, this year’s 18-hole benefit tournament may just be one of the best in recent memory.
“It’s always a great day for golfers and our members,” said Deborah Ramos, the Chamber’s executive director. “We are thrilled to bring our event to this private country club venue.”
Kirkbrae Country Club is one of Rhode Island’s premier golf courses, an 18-hole championship layout established in 1961. Moreover, the clubhouse is among the top social venues in New England.
Yet another aspect of this year’s event that has the Bessette-Sabbagh tandem and other golfers and Chamber members buzzing is that proceeds will benefit Chamber-related programs as well as the Rhode Island Blood Center.
The July 14 tourney will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m., when golfers sign in and receive their specially prepared bagged lunch and begin networking. Golfers will also have use of the practice range, located just below the main entrance to the clubhouse.
Ramos announced this year’s tourney will begin with a 1 p.m. shotgun start, and in keeping with tradition the scramble format will again be used this year.
The entrance fee is $150 per golfer and $600 for a foursome.
Like all golf tournaments hosted by non-profit corporations, the Chamber’s 21st golf go-round will feature prizes for a hole-in-one, longest drive, closest to the pin, straightest drive and much more in both men’s and women’s divisions.
Once the tourney is complete, the organizing committee will hold a cocktail hour, buffet dinner and awards ceremony that will include numerous raffles. Ramos this week announced that entire post-golf event will be held in the Kirkbrae members’ dining area.
“Foursomes are already forming, so please mark your calendar and don’t delay in making your reservations for what promises to be a great day on the golf course,” Ramos said.
Registration is due by July 10, and credit card payments in advance may be processed over the phone by calling the the Chamber’s headquarters at 401-349-6774. Golfers may also pay on July 14 prior to tee-off.
Because playing dates for such charitable tournaments are at a premium, the event will be held rain or shine. Separate dinner tickets are also available at $30 per person.
Special tee sponsors are available at $100 and $150. The latter option includes sponsorship signs at both the golf tournament and the Chamber’s 27th annual Apple Fest.
Golfers who play in the tournament will be able to purchase items in Kirbrae’s Pro Shop, which is well stocked with such golfing lines as Callaway, PING, Titleist, Nike, Tommy Bahama, Oxford Golf, Adidas and Cuter & Buck.
Mike Bradshaw is in his ninth season as Kirbrae’s head pro, and is ably assisted by Nick Maresca and Chris Bohac. Stan Baluik, a legendary pro hockey player and noted amateur golfer, is also a member of the Kirkbrae staff.
Kirkbrae’s well-groomed and manicured 18-hole, 5,921-yard layout comes under the expert care of Mark Richard, a West Warwick resident who is recognized as one of the premier golf superintendents in all of New England.
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