Golf tourney benefits Arlington’s 9/11 artifact memorial

Mike Simpson had already known that he wanted to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but when he heard that Arlington firefighters would be bringing back an artifact from the World Trade Center, it gave him an opportunity to memorialize 9/11 and support his local community at the same time.

By Kirk Boxleitner • August 26, 2011 11:31 am

ARLINGTON — Mike Simpson had already known that he wanted to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but when he heard that Arlington firefighters would be bringing back an artifact from the World Trade Center, it gave him an opportunity to memorialize 9/11 and support his local community at the same time.

“I’d already reserved a Sept. 11 fundraiser golf tournament for firefighters a couple of months ago,” said Simpson, the general manager of the Gleneagle Golf Course in Arlington. “Right after I did, I found out that our firefighters would be headed to New York City, so I thought, what better cause to raise funds for?”

The Gleneagle Golf Course 9/11 Memorial Ball Buster Scramble Golf Tournament registration starts at 12:30 p.m., in time for a 1 p.m. putting contest and a 2 p.m. shotgun start, on Sunday, Sept. 11.

The tourney is timed to commence shortly after the 9/11 memorial ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. that same day at Arlington’s Firehouse 46 located at 137 N. McLeod Ave. in downtown Arlington.

“Not only will this go toward a great cause, but it should also be a lot of fun,” said Simpson, who touted recent improvements to the course. “The Ball Buster format offers difficult pin locations and championship tees, all of which should make for an exciting and challenging round of golf.”

Simpson noted that all the holes and tee markers would bear American flags, and added that he hoped to see teams of police officers, firefighters and EMS crews playing in teams that day.

“I’ve been talking with the fire chief about the possibility of bringing a couple of the fire trucks to the course,” said Simpson, who explained that all tournament proceeds would be donated toward the design, building and installation of the memorial to house the WTC artifact at Firehouse 46.

The entry fee for the four-person scramble runs $70 per person, or $280 per team, with string and mulligans available for purchase. The greens fee and golf cart, as well as a barbecue meal and prizes, will all be included in the price of admission.

Teams must sign up by Sept. 6 and hole sponsors are still needed for the event. To register or for more information, call the Pro Shop at 360-435-6713 or email proshop@gleneaglegolfcourse.net. The Gleneagle Golf Course is located at 7619 E. Country Club Dr. in Arlington.