LECOM Suncoast Classic generates more than $1 million for students and charities

When we think of winners at the LECOM Suncoast Classic at the Lakewood National Golf Club, I would imagine the champion golfers would hold down our No. 1 spot, while local hotels, restaurants and grocery stores would be No. 2.

The tournament, according to Manatee County, has an estimated economic impact of approximately $4 million annually.

But what if you don't own a hotel, restaurant or grocery store? What if you don't hit your drive 350 yards? What does the tournament do for you?

If you are a local golf fan, the entertainment value is substantial. I imagine that many of us want high quality entertainment close to home so we don't have to drive to Tampa every time we want to see a concert or sporting event that features a nationally known talent. An average of 20,000 people a year have attended the tournament, according to the title sponsor.

Certainly, the first seven years of the LECOM Suncoast Classic have presented us with high quality entertainment — again, if you are a golf fan. Three of the winners — Mark Hubbard, Andrew Novak, and Byeong Hun An — have combined for more than $46 million in earnings on the PGA Tour following their Suncoast Classic titles.

But what else?

Have you thought about the impact the tournament has on local nonprofits?

Through its first seven years, the tournament has poured more than $1 million back into our community in terms of supporting students and nonprofits. The event generated $193,300 for charity last year alone.

Of the overall $1 million, approximately $700,000 has gone into LECOM'S Student Scholarship Fund.

Does it matter?

Ask Clearwater's Martin Naguib, who has never been to the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

Even so, he is grateful to those who sponsor and run the tournament, which is holding its eighth edition from April 2-5.

Naguib, who is in his second year of medical school at LECOM in Lakewood Ranch, has received two scholarships that were generated by tournament donations to the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund.

The $3,800 he has received might not seem like much with the cost of college being so high, but Naguib said it has made a world of difference for him.

"It's been pretty important to me," Naguib said. "I have to take out loans every year, and that doesn't fully cover my expenses. This money definitely has helped."

While he hasn't met those who run the LECOM Suncoast Classic, he said, "I would 100% thank them all. I don't know that they get to hear the student stories."

LECOM Board of Trustees Member Tom Wedzik has heard the stories about how important those scholarships can be. He knows that the approximately $700,000 generated by the tournament has helped many students just like Naguib, who struggle financially to earn their degree.

"A large portion of that money comes directly from the PGA Tour because we are a title sponsor," Wedzik said. "They give back."

Besides the PGA Tour's donations, Wedzik said Tournament Director Justin Kristich raises charity funds through selling suites at the tournament, running the pro-am event, and accumulating other sponsorships.

"The neat thing about this is that many times the money raised by a tournament goes to a big national charity, but all this money stays here. It goes to our students, the First Tee program, and other local charities. It doesn't escape."

Although Naguib grew up in Clearwater, there is a good chance he could join the Manatee County medical workforce by the time he graduates in 2028. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has just expanded with a $120 million tower and more medical facilities are coming to Lakewood Ranch.

The demand is high, so you could argue that efforts to support LECOM students could help all the local residents in the not-too-distant future.

Aside from the scholarships, several other regional nonprofits benefit.

Lisa Krouse, the CEO of First Tee Sarasota/Manatee, said the money her organization has received from the LECOM Suncoast Classic has "led to wonderful opportunities for the kids."

Offering free clinics and instruction to children around the region doesn't come cheap, so every dollar helps First Tee continue its programs.

And the tournament's benefit to First Tee is not just about funding.

Krouse said the First Tee has been able to offer a clinic during the tournament that is open and free to any child in the public. The clinic this year will be held 2 p.m. April 4, the Saturday of the tournament, 

The clinic will include demonstrations with Korn Ferry Tour players, instruction from First Tee coaches and Lakewood Ranch teaching pros, free admission to the tournament that day, and free Under Armour backpacks and towels to the first 100 kids in attendance. Golf clubs are provided for the kids.

"It is a great opportunity for kids to get to know about First Tee," Krouse said. "It will showcase our coaches and volunteer youth."

First Tee runs its program free of charge to the kids it serves at various sites around Manatee and Sarasota counties, including East County's Tara County Club, which Krouse calls a great partner.

Kristich said the charitable donations are a result of the PGA Tour changing its tournament model in the 1990s and emphasizing the importance of giving back to the communities that host the tournaments.

He doesn't make a big deal about the donations, because he figures it is just the right thing to do. And, yet, it is a part of the tournament that probably deserves more attention.

It might be a good year to acknowledge that the LECOM Suncoast Classic has become a valuable asset to the community. The arrival of the Senior PGA Championship shoved the LECOM Suncoast Classic off its planned date and forced it into an Easter final day because the Korn Ferry Tour had no other open dates on its schedule.

Kristich is hoping golf fans still come out for the final round, and make it a special Easter family gathering.

Yes, the tournament does support our community. Perhaps it would be a good time to show our support.

You will feel like a winner.