Golfers enjoyed perfect weather for the 8th Annual Creekside Classic, held Thursday, July 23rd at Creekside Golf Course. Hosted by the Valparaiso Parks Foundation, the day’s events included a youth skills competition on the driving range in the morning followed by lunch and a 12 hole best ball golf scramble in the afternoon.
Tony Gallinatti, Jr., Tony Gallinatti, Sr., Mike Gallinatti, Brent Howard
Nancy Bender, golf instructor at Creekside, along with a dedicated corps of volunteers, coordinated the day’s events to be both fun and challenging for everybody. Each foursome for the outing consisted of two youth and two adults, making it family friendly. With younger golfers teeing off closer to the pin, it was common for their tee shots to be the best ball, which was a boost for their confidence and made them an important part of the team. Tony Gallinatti has played in this outing with his three sons in seven of the eight years of the event. When asked why he enjoys it so much, he said, “It is great to play golf with my boys in an outing that is kid friendly. Creekside helped them learn etiquette, rules, proper swing, and how to play in an outing. We look forward to it every year.”
Brent Howard, Mike Gallinatti, Tony Gallinatti, Jr., Tony Gallinatti, Sr.
With thirty youth in the skills competition, twenty-two foursomes, and forty sponsors, this event raised nearly $13,000 for the Valparaiso Parks Foundation; an organization instrumental in raising funds to develop parks; including, Creekside, ValPlayso, Foundation Meadows, and the Service Memorial. Foundation member, Mark Ritzi, who has been coordinating this outing for 3 years said, “Creekside is designed to foster youth development in golf as well as serve multi generations. It is a rewarding experience to see all the children, parents and grandparents playing golf together. Money raised in this outing will be used to support continued growth and development in our city parks.” For information about golfing, lessons or other recreation programs coordinated by Valparaiso City Parks and Recreation Department, visit their website at www.valparaisoparks.org.