Hundreds of South Florida’s golf enthusiasts of all skill levels turned-out to endure Miami’s unique combo of summer heat and rain during the 14th Annual Summer Groove Golf Classic, held on Wednesday, July 14th at The Doral Golf Resort & Spa, as The Summer Groove officially kicked-off it’s week-long series of events.
As the summer’s most competitive and highly social sporting celebration began, fleets of golf carts were seen leaving the resort’s main pavilion, as players journeyed to their respective courses for the kick-off to The Seminole Hard Rock Presents The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo & D. Wade. Both co-hosts of the daylong golfing extravaganza camped-out at their own holes as they were each challenged by teams of four players from each course to tee-off and make it on to the green, for a chance to win a signed trophy case basketball, later presented at the end of the day to the winning team members by Zo and Wade.
Throughout the day, Zo and Wade were joined by a host of friends from the world of sports and entertainment, including NBA player Mike James; NFL players Ernest Wilford, Stephen Tulloch, and Antawn Barnes; former NBA Players Tim Hardaway, and Glen Rice; former NFL players Kijana Carter, James Pruitt, Troy Drayton, Tony Nathan, Reggie Givens, Orondo Gadsden, Patrick Surtain, Zebbie Lethridge, David Harden, Duane Starks, Earnest Graham, and Keith Byers; saxophonist Mike Phillips, Comedian Red Grant; Donna Richardson Joyner, wife of morning radio show host Tom Joyner; and Golf Pro for youth clinics, Robin Aikens. New to this year’s tournament was a Junior Golf Clinic for more than 100 children enrolled in programs funded by the Groove. Staple Golf Classic attractions featured the Lexus Hole-in-One, Ultimate Cigar Stations and Rejuvenation Stations, as well as participating hospitality sponsors that provided the refreshments on each course, including Bacardi, 8 Oz. Burger, Prime One Twelve, 5300 Chop House, Fatburger and Fogo de Chao among others. All funds raised will benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade’s World Foundation.
“The Summer Groove Golf Classic is one of the most fun and social events of The Summer Groove and summer season, making it one of the most enjoyable for me personally,” said Mourning, who hosted the event for its 14th year. “Our golf tournament not only unites those individuals who enjoy the great daylong competition, but the event brings everyone together for a common cause and for a common mission, to ultimately serve our children in the community.”
“I was happy to see the hundreds of golfers who joined us today, rain or shine, for a day of golf and in the spirit of community,” said Wade. “After three years of hosting the Groove, I think my swing has improved regardless of what Alonzo may say. I enjoy the challenge each year knowing that the kids are the ones benefiting.”
Now in it’s 14th year, Seminole Hard Rock Presents The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo & D. Wade takes place throughout South Florida July 14-18, 2010, with the majority of events taking place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The Summer Groove has become one of the largest fundraising events of the year, raising funds for programs supported by both Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade’s World Foundation, who provide services to youth and their families throughout the community.
The 5-day Summer Groove kicks off July 14th with The Summer Groove Golf Classic hosted at Doral Golf Resort & Spa; Youth Sports Conference Hosted by Gatorade & Nike July 15th; Youth Basketball Clinic Hosted by Gatorade & Nike July 16th; Alters Law Firm Summer Groove Comedy Jam hosted by Heineken at Hard Rock Live July 16th; Michael Fux Foundation Summer Groove Youth Empowerment Summit and Publix Charities Summer Groove Benefit Gala, themed “Aqua y Fuego, A Sizzling Summer Night” at Hard Rock Live, takes place July 17th; the Block Party Hosted by Pepsi and Carnival Cruise Lines Summer Groove All-Star Basketball Game at AmericanAirlines Arena take place on July 18th.
To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.TheSummerGroove.com or call (305) 476-0095.