CLAREMORE — For 23 years, Heritage Hills Golf Course has ‘Shared The Spirit’ in Claremore.
Two weeks ago, their annual ‘Share The Spirit’ golf outing helped raise $1,600 for the yearly food basket campaign in Rogers County.
“Everybody wants to give this time of year,” Heritage Hills Golf Course General Manager Dave Wilber said. “We are helping people in Rogers County enjoy a part of life which most of us take for granted, to provide a Christmas Dinner for their families.”
Wilber and his staff held a 4-person scramble on Dec. 1, that saw 68 players brave the 68 mile-per-hour winds and 68 degree temperatures all for the purpose of helping those less fortunate in Rogers County have a heart-warming Merry Christmas.
The idea of a golf scramble, according to Wilber, started in 1990 under the influence and direction of former Claremore Daily Progress sports editor Jim Perry.
“(Jim) Perry thought it would be great to raise money for Share The Spirit,” Wilbur said.
The $35 entry fee allowed golfers to play 18 holes without any rules, enjoy a lunch and spend time fellowshipping with others in the community.
“Those that choose to participate can eat, drink and play golf cheaper than purchasing a green fee,” Wilber said.
The annual golf scramble — over the years — has raised numerous amounts of money and donations, and according to Wilber, has been a successful fundraiser.
In 2008, Wilber and his staff presented a check for $1,086 to Share The Spirit.
“Each year, the participation increases and more money is raised,” Wilber said.
Last year, Wilber said the scramble raised $1,074 toward the holiday cause.
“Claremore still has that city, small-town pride that if we ask people to give, they will go out of their way to help,” Wilber said.
The $1,600 raised this year, according to Wilber, is the highest that the scramble has contributed toward Share The Spirit.
“Most of the time, we’re playing golf in inclement weather,” Wilber added. “This year, we were fortunate enough to have warm weather, despite the miserable winds.”
The concept of the scramble is not necessarily who takes home first place honors and bragging rights.
“Every person wins and knowing that the real prize is that you’re helping others through your giving heart,” Wilber said. “We, as a group, have been doing this for 23 years and it never gets old.”
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