- September 5, 2026
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When Esplanade’s Robert Carolla looks back on the first annual Communi-Tee Golf Classic, he beams with pride.
A golfer of over 40 years, he had never had a hole-in-one until participating in the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities fundraiser last year.
“I honestly never thought I would actually get one,” Carolla said. “It is one of the very special moments in my life.”
Communi-Tee Golf Classic is coming up again this year and is being held at Calusa Country Club on Sept. 9.
Dylan Wright, the assistant general manager at Calusa Country Club, said the club is excited to host the event because it is about so much more than golf."
"They gather members from our community to support great causes and grow new and old friendships," Wright said. "We look forward to providing a memorable experience to everyone and we are excited to see what the future holds as we all continue to grow as a Communi-Tee."
Last year 120 golfers participated. This year up to 124 golfers can participate and it is selling out quickly.
Danielle Bugel, the marketing manager for LWRCA, said they created the event last year in honor of 25 years of the nonprofit. Due to the success and the fact golf is such a popular activity and fundraiser, they plan to do it every year.
The funds from the event will go toward supporting over 60 resident-led clubs and implementing 600 community events that Lakewood Ranch Community Activities presents. The parks and recreation programming includes cornhole, volleyball, bingo, yoga and tennis.
Signature events by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities include the Community Campout, Health and Wellness Expo, Irish Celtic Festival, Eggstravaganza, Youth and Teen Fishing Seminar, Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament, and the golf tournament.
“Connection is the heart of what we do,” Bugel said. “We get together residents in Lakewood Ranch to make friends, spend time together, have fun, make memories and connect. That is why we come to work every day.”
When Lakewood Ranch’s John Potocko heard the Lakewood Ranch Communi-Tee Golf Classic was happening again this year, he said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to sign up.
Potocko said he plays golf regularly at Calusa and other courses, but playing for a purpose is special to him.
“Playing in this tournament is different,” Potocko said. “It's more relaxed and has cool features at many of the holes like giveaways, or having your golf ball shot from a cannon. You can consider me a regular!”
Bugel said the event is an amazing networking opportunity for both businesses and individuals. Whether a person sets up a table at a hole or participates in the golf itself, connections are waiting to be made.
“It's nice for the players to be able to engage directly with the businesses that set up at the holes. This event you can do that,” Bugel said.
For Carolla, the motivation to attend last year was just that. He is a mortgage loan officer with Fourleaf FCU, one of the largest credit unions in the country, and he wanted to get more involved in the Lakewood Ranch community.
Carolla looks forward to attending once again along with Steve Leone, who he brought along last year, and Steve Nagy, who he met last year and has since become good friends.
Golfers can sign up as a team of four or as a single player. Bugel said she encourages single players to sign up.
“We ask what their skill level is — whether it's beginner, intermediate or advanced — so we can pair people up with an appropriate team that they'll be comfortable with if they do register as a single player.”
Bugel said LWRCA is incredibly grateful for the support the fundraiser receives.
“While raising funds to support LWRCA’s community programs and initiatives is an important part of the tournament, we’re equally excited to bring the community together for a fun day on the course,” Bugel said. “We’re so happy to continue growing this event and appreciate everyone who helps make it possible.”
