HEART ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT GIVES GOLFERS SHOT AT THOUSANDS OF PRIZES

JACKSON - Players in the annual American Heart Association Golf Tournament Friday will have a shot at up to $17,000 in prizes. The four-person 18-hole scramble will be held at Bent Creek in Jackson.

It is sponsored annually by the Regional Heart Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Volunteer spotters will be posted throughout the course, watching for some lucky player to score an ace on special holes for prizes that include a new Mercury Capri Convertible, a large screen TV and VCR, and a new golf cart. Longest drive, straightest drive and closest to the pin prizes will also be awarded. In addition, the field of 30 teams will compete for more than $1,800 in other gifts and prizes. Special prizes are being made possible this year by Capital Bank and Ford Groves.

If you think a hole-in-one is impossible during such tournaments, just ask Charlotte Herr, who is a member of the American Heart Association Golf Tournament committee this year. She won a Mazda Miata with an ace during the 1990 Chamber of Commerce Industrial Appreciation Golf Tourney.

Golfers who find the going "rough" will have the opportunity to purchase a $5 mulligan from celebrity "shot doctors." They include: Southeast Missourian publisher Wally Lage, KFVS news anchor Mike Shain, cardiologist Gordon Haycraft, KYRX 104.7 radio disc jockey Greg Scott and Jim Riley of Red Letter Communications. One "doctored" shot per player will be allowed.

Activities will get under way Friday at 11 a.m. with a practice session run by club pro Nash Haxel, and a putting contest sponsored by Mike Litz of Bent Creek Home sites. Following a noon lunch, golfers will receive complimentary balls and caps. Teams will tee off in a shotgun start at 12:45 p.m.

All proceeds from the tourney will benefit the American Heart Association. Entry fee is $50 per player.

For additional information, persons can call Rob Janet at 334-9131, Jim Riley at 334-7410 or Cynthia Seabaugh at 335-3240.