Registration Open for James R. Metts Golf Tournament

Golfers can tee off in the 10th Annual Sheriff James R. Metts Golf Tournament, also known as The Big Boy Open, on September 9. 

Teams can sign up now for the tournament, which will be held at the Country Club of Lexington at 1066 Barr Road. 

Citizens and businesses are encouraged to participate in the golf tournament. Space in the tournament is limited to 30, four-member teams.

All proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the James R. Metts Endowed Scholarship at Charleston Southern University, Sheriff James Metts said. In awarding scholarships from the endowed scholarship fund, the university gives preference to students from Lexington County.

The entry fee for the James R. Metts Golf Tournament is $350 per team, or $87.50 per player. The fee includes green fees, golf cart fees, range balls and a buffet dinner. 

Each golfer also can buy a “Hacker Packet” at a cost of $20, with the packet including two mulligans, one throw and one red-tee buster. 

A corporate sponsor package can be purchased for $500 and includes entry fees for one team, a sponsor sign that will be posted at tee boxes at two holes on the golf course and recognition in the tournament program.

Sponsor signs also can be purchased at a cost of $75 per sign for first-time participants and $50 per sign for repeat participants. The signs will be placed at tee boxes on the golf course.

Checks for entry fees, corporate sponsorships, sign sponsorships and donations should be made payable to The James R. Metts Endowed Scholarship Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 594, Lexington, S.C. 29071.

Fees and sponsorships for the golf tournament as well as donations for the scholarship are tax-deductible.

For more information, call Robbie Lint at his office at 803-785-2481 or on his cell phone at 803-223-1283, or Karen Gabert at her office at 803-785-2505 or on her cell phone at 803-606-8180.

Seven Charleston Southern University students currently receive scholarships through the James R. Metts Endowed Scholarship, Metts said.

“Our goal for the 2013 golf tournament is to raise enough money to finance at least one additional scholarship,” Metts said. “I am honored that businesses and golfers have so generously donated money to help us invest in the futures of worthy young people in Lexington County.”

As a result of the generosity of business owners and golfers, a total of $176,115 has been donated since 2004 to Charleston Southern University for the endowed scholarship fund, Metts said. The money reflected proceeds from the annual Sheriff James R. Metts Golf Tournament.

“As a former student who depended upon financial assistance in order to attend Charleston Southern University, I understand the importance of providing scholarships to worthy young people who want to pursue careers in the criminal justice field,” Metts said. “I greatly enjoy reading the letters and seeing the photos that scholarship recipients send to me.”

“The committee that organizes the golf tournament does a superb job each year 
in conducting a fun event that benefits a great cause,” Metts said. “I know the Endowed Scholarship makes a difference in the lives of the students who receive scholarships.”

Metts serves on the Charleston Southern University Board of Visitors. Metts also serves as an adjunct professor in the university’s criminal justice graduate program.