South Pasadena Golf Tournament | Rose Parade Funds Successfully Raised for Float

 

John Vandercook says it’s always special when golfers come together to raise funds and create plenty of fun on the same day.

That’s what the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Golf Tournament is all about.

About 70 golfers brought their talents to Arroyo Seco Golf Course last Saturday to play the 3-par course in the scramble, best ball tourney with all the proceeds going to help pay for South Pasadena’s float in the 2020 Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.

- Advertisement -

 

“It takes about $100,000 to build the float, so we’re grateful to those who come out and help us raise the funds,” explained Vandercook.

Along with lunch and many raffle gifts up for grabs, participants had an opportunity to walk away with $10,000 by sinking a hole-in-one on a the 17^th hole. Mama’s Brick Oven Pizza sponsored the par 3 hole.

“The golfers really have a great time out here ,” said Vandercook, noting that proceeds will help pay for steel and flowers when construction begins soon on the city’s 2020 entry in the Rose Parade – given the theme “Victory at Last” – scheduled to roll down Colorado Boulevard January 1 in Pasadena.

South Pasadena’s float highlights the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting American women the right to vote, ending almost a century of protest.

The family-oriented tournament, which raised approximately $8,000 a year ago, has been going on for so long that Vandercook explained kids who once played in it with their dads are now showing up to play as adults with their own children.

“It’s just a fun family event and it helps a longtime organization in town – The Tournament of Roses,” he said. “People are wonderful in wanting to support our float.”

The event, now in its 41^st year, included 18 holes of golf on the pitch and putt course, lunch, awards, a raffle and that big cash reward for the shot of the day.

“Wouldn’t it be cool if someone won $10,000?” said Vandercook, before the tournament “Oh my goodness.” There were plenty of attempts made, but there was no hole in one on this day.

The SPTOR also raises funds through a car show in September, a major raffle to win seats to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game and a Crunch Time Party at the War Memorial Building at year’s end. The golf tournament was the first step in paying for the city’s float.

“It’s just a small community, fun event to raise money for a great cause – the float,” he added.