Lions Club golf tournament tees up big prizes and a charitable cause

The Eden Prairie Lions Club is gearing up for its fourth annual Charity Golf Tournament, set for Monday, Aug. 4 at Bent Creek Golf Club.

Registration is now open at eplionsgolf.org, and organizers say they’re hoping to see new and returning players join in on the fun – regardless of skill level.

“We want everyone to know the tournament is set and ready to go, and we’re encouraging players to sign up,” said Terry Eggan, tournament co-chair. “We’ve made some changes this year, especially with the raffle.”

That raffle, now limited to tournament participants only, will feature fewer but more valuable prizes. “Last year we opened it up more broadly, but this time, only players will have a chance to win,” Eggan said. Prizes include $500 in cash, a $700 Toro battery-powered lawnmower, and other high-value items.

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The tournament follows a scramble format with a noon shotgun start. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m., with pizza served starting at 11 a.m. After 18 holes of golf, players will gather for dinner, awards and raffle drawings around 5 p.m. The cost is $150 per player, which includes golf, cart, lunch, and dinner.

This year’s prize structure gives everyone a chance to win. First place takes home $800, second place wins $600, and even the 18th and 19th place teams will collect $400. The last-place team receives $200.

“Because there are always a few ringers in golf tournaments, we’re giving $400 to 18th and 19th place, and $200 for last place,” Eggan said. “So everybody’s got a shot at something.”

The tournament will again feature a long drive pro hitting 400-yard shots on one hole. Players who pay to participate can count that drive as their first shot. If they sink the second shot, they win a Pebble Beach vacation. Hole-in-one prizes on par threes include a Hawaii getaway and $10,000 cash. Chick-fil-A will host a putting contest, with the winner earning a sandwich a week for a year.

“We get a different pro each year, and it’s always amazing to see how far they can drive the ball,” said Nan Vest, who helps market the event. “It’s a real highlight – and fun for people to see up close.”

Organizers say they are expecting around 100 players, but the field is capped at 120. “We wouldn’t wait too long to register,” Eggan said. “There are foursomes signing up.”

For those interested but not part of a foursome, help is available. Vest said Lyle Hookom, one of two registration and sign-up chairs for the tournament, is “really good at matching people up with others looking for a group.”

Eggan, who co-chairs the tournament with Mike Moriarity, said this will be his last year leading the event.

“I brought it back after a 16-year absence, and we’ve got the infrastructure in place now – it’s running well,” he said. “But I’m just running out of time. I’m still a busy Realtor, and I need to focus where it matters most.”

Even so, he hasn’t had the chance to play in his own tournament.

“You have to be hands-on the day of,” he said. “But maybe next year I’ll finally get to golf. Who knows, maybe I’ll take last place. I’m not a very good golfer.”

The Eden Prairie Lions Club uses proceeds from the tournament to support a range of local charitable efforts.

Service projects the club funds include the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation, Can Do Canines (service dogs), and True Friends Camp Eden Wood, a camp for children and adults with special needs. For a complete list, visit eplions.com.