Golf tournaments, anyone?

Several groups have already scheduled upcoming events as golf tournament season gets into full swing in Chesterfield. They include:

Tech Center

Play golf for a chance to win a 2007 Toyota Camry during the annual Chesterfield Technical Center/Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) Golf Tournament on Fri., Apr. 6, at River's Bend Golf Club in Chester.

Check-in for the captain's choice event starts at 11 a.m. The event begins at noon with a reception to follow. Prizes will be awarded to teams finishing first, second and third, as well as to golfers hitting the longest drive, closest to the pin and the longest putt. The entry fee is $125 a person/$500 for a foursome.

The tournament, organized with the support of the technical center's automotive service industry's business-education partners, supports two scholarships for graduating CTCAYES automotive technician apprentices. Proceeds also pay for an end-of-school year reception for graduating AYES automotive apprentices and to purchase equipment for the automotive program.

For more information, contact Steve Dimmett at 768-6160 ext. 1020 or e-mail steven_dimmett@ccpsnet.net.

Community Kitchen

Four students from the Center for Leadership and International Relations at James River High School (JRHS) will host a charity golf tournament on Mon., May 14, at Stonehenge Golf and Country Club, to benefit the Community Kitchen under construction at the Central Virginia Foodbank.

JRHS seniors Michael Cooper, Joe Golding, Brian Roquemore and Michael Baggett are arranging this tournament as their end-ofyear capstone project, a requirement of every student in the leadership program.

From marketing and promotion to recruiting players and soliciting sponsorships, the youths are practicing every aspect of fundraising for a good cause. "I learned about the Foodbank through my church youth group," noted Cooper, who suggested the charity to the rest of the group, "and fighting hunger right here in our own community is a great reason to plan an event like this."

The tournament will kick off with a shotgun start at noon, and will be run in a four-man captain's choice format. Prizes will be awarded, including first, second and third place, as well as fun categories such as "most honest" and "beat the pro." A catered dinner and silent auction will follow for players and their guests.

Sponsorships and auction contributions are currently being accepted. The tournament registration deadline is Apr. 25.

For more information, contact Cooper at 378-3293 or coop13@comcast.net.

Chesterfield Chamber

The Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce will host its Third Annual Golf Classic, presented by Medallion Pools and Spas, on Thurs., May 31. A shotgun start is slated for 1 p.m. This year's tournament will be held at the Brandermill Country Club, 3700 Brandermill Pkwy.

Voted one of the five best course layouts in the state by the Virginia Golf Association, the 6,531 yard Brandermill course is designed by golf legend Gary Player, also known as "The Black Knight." Brandermill features a combination of rolling Bermuda fairways, contoured bent grass greens, panoramic views of Swift Creek Reservoir and tree-lined parkways. The par-72 golf course is challenging to golfers of all skill levels.

Sponsorships range from $300 to $1,100. Foursomes are priced at $600. To register or sponsor the tournament, contact Lenita Gilreath at 748-6364.