17th annual Swing for the Cause Golf Classic

Today, golfers braved rainy conditions for an annual event in Hancock County all to benefit local residents and economic development.

It wasn’t a typical day at the Bridges Golf Club on the campus of the Hollywood Casino. Golfers hit the links to raise funds and awareness for causes served by the nonprofit Hancock County Community Development Foundation. Executive Director Tish Williams said, “Through the funds that are raised through this tournament, and other events that we do throughout the year, we help people put their passion to work.”

Hurricane season and other factors pushed the 17th edition of the Swing for the Cause Tournament from its usual October date, but that didn’t stop over one hundred participants from making their way there to support everything from education to preservation to job growth. Participant Jason Farve said, “There are a lot of people here who love Hancock County and love economic development personal for Hancock County and things that are going to bring new things for the children here in the community.”

Teams of four competed for different prizes throughout the tournament, bringing out the competitive spirit in some. “There are two of us who don’t golf on a regular basis, and a couple of us who do, so it’s pretty competitive. We’re giving each other skills to help one another.”

While each team got to display their competitive side on the golf course, there was also fun activities as well like the Marshmallow Longest Drive.

With a record-breaking tournament in the books, organizers are reflecting on how connections made here each year lead to big things for Hancock County. “It also gives us a chance to network and to provide opportunities to build relationships that can lead to other synergistic projects throughout the year.”