photo by Jay Photography

Well it’s history.  Pensacola will never be the same.  Guys like Boo Weekley, Larry The Cable Guy, Dallas Davidson, Willie from Duck Dynasty and Gary Allan all lent their support to the fundraising event this year.

The tent was bigger , the food was awesome and the people came out in droves to spend some time learning about the mission of Camp Compass.  There is no question the future looks very bright because of people who care and give their time to this event.

The first clue this was Boo’s tournament was found when making the final turn into the clubhouse parking lot.

Cars everywhere. Parked on the grass. Parked on the side. A portable bank ATM at the front entrance. A massive tent along the right side of the area adorned with one word — “Boo.”

Welcome to the 10th annual Boo Weekley Charity Golf Tournament. It’s the first one played at Hidden Creek Golf Club in Navarre, not far from where Weekley, the popular PGA Tour star and Milton High graduate, enjoys one of his favorite fishing holes.

“I’m glad to be here,” said Weekley, taking a brief break Saturday during a short rain delay. “It’s just part of me.”

And make no mistake, this charity tournament, which aids underprivileged children, is so much a part of who Boo is.

Utilizing his many sponsors, golf and entertainment connections, Weekley assembled an array of talent for low cost.

Larry The Cable Guy was inside the tent. So was Country Music vocalist Gary Allan. So was reality TV outdoorsman Willie The Duck Commander. Sound check technicians were readying the stage.

It was all part of a three-day event, including two rounds of golf and Saturday night’s entertainment. Boo’s tournament is not just a golf tournament, of course. It’s an extravaganza.

“This is the first time we’ve had it this big,” said Weekley, who previously held his tournament at The Country Club of Brewton, in Brewton, Ala. “We’re trying something new and we’re hoping it works, hoping the community will come in behind us and support it and understand what we’re trying to do is bring everything back to the community.

“We give it all back to our charities. We’re here to have a good time, enjoy everything, bring in out-of-towners and show ’em what we have to offer. We have the prettiest beaches in the United States, the way I look at it.”

This has been a beautiful week for local golf and the commitment to kids.

Earlier this week, the 55th annual Divot Derby youth golf tournament concluded. At the post-tournament banquet, fellow Milton High grad and Masters champion Bubba Watson had delivered his $50,000 check to ensure the tournament’s future for the next five years.

In Weekley’s case, his local philanthropic efforts began when one of his original sponsors, Mossy Oak Camo Gear, suggested a summer golf tournament.

Through support of his local business manager, Toggy Pace, and his wife, Karyn, the group agreed to stage it near their home and work with youth charity Camp Compass.

On Tuesday, Weekley resumes his main quest. He heads to the PGA Tour stop, the Reno-Tahoe Open, trying to build upon his last tournament where he tied for 21st two weeks ago.

“I feel good. Everything is going in the right direction,” he said. “I just have to stay positive and get that putter working.”

He’d love to find the same sync he produced this weekend.

written by Bill Vilona