Calusa hosts first Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Charity Golf Scramble
By
Vinnie Portell
| 8:30 a.m. February 11, 2025
East County
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The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation awarded more than 20 grants to non-profit organizations in the region in 2024, and it is getting a head start on funding for 2025.
The LWRCF hosted its first Charity Golf Scramble on Monday at the Calusa Country Club course, which opened to the public Feb. 1.
The event raised approximately $20,000 thanks to 58 golfers who paid $1,000 per foursome, along with sponsorships and donations.
The event is meant to begin an annual tradition, but some changes likely will be made in the future when it comes to the date of the event.
"The biggest challenge was that the Super Bowl was yesterday," said Kate Mulligan, the LWRCF executive director. "We'll have to look at the calendar and adjust how we schedule for next year."
The Charity Golf Scramble was made possible due to the generosity of Lennar (Calusa's builder) which gave all proceeds from the event back to the LWRCF.
"This is awesome for Lennar to step up and throw this tournament together," LWRCF Board President Mark Clark said. "It's exciting, and we want to make this an annual event."
Scott Antritt can't help but smile after missing a tricky putt at Calusa Country Club during the first Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Charity Golf Scramble Monday.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Calusa Country Club doesn't feature many water hazards, but the few it has tempt players to shoot for a dangerous angle.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Calusa Country Club doesn't have a permanent golf clubhouse yet, but the course opened to the public Feb. 1.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Several players said it was hard to hit approach shots tight at Calusa Country Club on Monday morning during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundations charity scramble due to the firm greens of the newly-opened course.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Scott MacDonald tries to chip his ball closer to the pin than his playing partners during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundations charity scramble on Monday morning at Calusa Country Club.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Long stretches of dirt serves as the backdrop for many holes at Calusa Country Club, which is open to the public, but still not fully completed.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Construction crews were hard at work at Calusa Country Club on Monday morning during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundations charity scramble.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Steve Horn keeps an eye on Dennis Murphy's tee shot during the first Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Charity Golf Scramble at Calusa Country Club.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundations President Mark Clark tries to stick his approach shot close at Calusa Country Club on Monday morning during the first-ever LWRCF charity scramble.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Billy Bender hits a nice approach shot that lands on the green during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation's Charity Golf Scramble at Calusa Country Club.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Jason Mitchell goes for the green during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation's Charity Golf Scramble.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Jason Mitchell lines up a putt as Nick Irle, Curtis Ross and Garrett Shinn watch during the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation event at Calusa Country Club Monday.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Jeremy Keller (right) throws his head back after missing a putt in the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation's Charity Golf Scramble at Calusa Country Club.
