FOLEY, Ala. — Fore!…

Whether you are a links pro or haven’t seen your clubs in years or somewhere in the middle, make plans to come out to the First Annual Gulf Coast Christian Academy Golf Tournament on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 at Craft Farms Golf Club in Gulf Shores.

Benefitting the school’s general fund, the tournament will feature LPGA legend Nancy Lopez and there is still space available on teams, said Bonnie Coxwell, one of the event coordinators

“So far, we have 47 golfers and 12 teams. We can take up to 120 golfers and we also still have tickets available for the dinner on Friday night for $75 a piece or $600 for a table of eight,” Coxwell said.

The dinner, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night at the Magnolia Court Restaurant in Foley, will feature filet and snapper with roasted red potato and asparagus, caesar salad and bread pudding with chantilly sauce for dessert. This event is in conjuction with the golf tournament but those only wishing to attend the dinner can purchase tickets for that.

Along with the dinner, there will be a silent auction with several Fitz and Floyd Collectibles, new Ping putters, several gift baskets, Christmas figurines and several kitchenware and serving items, Coxwell said.

Lopez began her claim to golf fame in 1978 when she won nine titles, including five in a row and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, won the Vare Trophy, awarded by the LPGA to the golfer with the lowest average strokes per round during the year (71), was named Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. She also won eight titles and the Vare Trophy again in 1979, according to the tournament brochure.

Over the course of her career she gained Player of the Year honors four times, had three major tournament victories among her 48 titles and now owns a company, Nancy Lopez Golf, that produces a full line of women’s clubs and accessories. Lopez also does occasional television commentary and golf course design as well as golf training.

“We were very fortunate to be able to get her through the Ladies Links Fore Golf organization out of Venice, Fl. Some of the committee members knew some people who were members and we are really excited about having her come for this and are hoping for an great turnout.” Coxwell said.

LL4G was founded in 2006 by four women, three of which are LPGA teaching professionals, who wanted to create a coast-to-coast golfing community where women could link up to learn, practice, compete and share in the many facets of the game of golf. Their mission is to empower women golfers to achieve the personal best both on and off the course. Visit their website at www.ll4g.com.

Bright and early at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, golfers can register and partake of a continental breakfast and from 9:30-10::45 a.m., there will be a presentation and hitting expedition by Lopez and from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a golf clinic will be offered.

Box lunches will be offered at 12:45 p.m. and a shot gun start will begin at 1 p.m. on the Cypress Bend Course. Lopez and LL4G team members will be playing along with he participants. Awards will be presented at 5:30 p.m.

Sponsorship and player packages are available:

-Golfer Special- $260- individual entry into tournament , tee sponsorship sign and one dinner

- Presenting Sponsor-$5,000- four golfers participate in tournament, two tee sponsorship signs, scoreboard signage, recognition on all printed materials, eight dinner guests including Nancy Lopez

-Gold Sponsor- $2,500- four golfers participate in tournament, one tee sponsor sign and scoreboard signage, four dinner guests

- Silver Sponsor- $1,000- two golfers participate in tournament, one tee sponsor sign and scoreboard signage, two dinner guests

- Table Sponsor- $200- table top signage and two dinner guests

-Putting Green Sponsor- $200

- Beverage Cart Sponsor- $400

Player packages include: entry into tournament, range balls, continental breakfast, box lunch, goody bags and great prizes. Registration fee is $100 per golfer and features a four-team format and includes breakfast and and lunch. Hole-In-One Sponsorships are being provided by Southern Chevrolet and Foley Implement.

For more information, contact Coxwell at (251) 989-2333 or email at bonnycoxwell@gccaacademy.com. Checks can be made payable to Alabama Gulf Coast Christian Academy, Attn.: Bonny Coxwell, 18930 County Road 28, Foley, Al 36535.