Local Golfers Tee Off for Charity at Alachua Chamber of Commerce Sportsfest Golf Tournament

ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sportsfest Golf Tournament brought together area teams on June 15, 2024, at the picturesque Turkey Creek Golf Course. Despite record heat, the charity event saw unprecedented turnout in participation, volunteers, and funds raised. In its 35th year, the event drew golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition and community support.

“The community enthusiasm for this event only continues to grow,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “Our business partners continue to step up and put our community first helping to raise funds that support the youth of our community.”

Participants kicked off the day early in a shotgun-style start, with teams of four players engaging in a best ball scramble format. Each team strategically used the best shot among their group for subsequent plays toward the pin, navigating the 18-hole course over approximately four hours.

Check-in process was at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast provided by MiApa. Shotgun start was at 8:30 a.m. Beverage station at the turn was sponsored by Alachua Okito. Lunch was provided by local community staple Conestogas Restaurant. A multitude of raffle prizes donated by area businesses were awarded, from gift cards, to hotel stays to TVs to new golf equipment. Afterword, the traditional and famous shootout — for teams that qualify — can win bragging rights and prize money to the victors.

Winning Teams and Results

• Shootout Team: Campus USA Credit Union clinched the winning title, featuring Fred Hilton, Josh Hansen, Josh Dunbar, and Yancey Steingraber.
• Gross Scores: Devin Osbourne, Bryan Faulk, Luke Tillman, and Clayton Gregory from Sysco.
• Net Scores: Luke Smith, Charlie Culp, Jeff Tyre, and Nick Tyre from Concept Companies.

Beyond the thrill of victory and the camaraderie on the greens, the tournament holds deeper significance. Funds raised through the event traditionally support youth programs in the city of Alachua, particularly benefiting Legacy Park Recreation initiatives and education. Recent past contributions include enhancing study spaces at the Alachua branch library and supporting educational resources for local students.

This year’s event featured 27 teams with 108 participants, supported by over 30 volunteers “We are incredibly grateful for the well-organized, community-supported golf tournament,” said Sportsfest Committee Chair Shelley Vickers of Scherer Construction. “This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, committee members, and especially our sponsors.”

The 2024 Sportsfest Golf Scramble raised over $26,000 to support local youth who participate in the City of Alachua’s activities, program and events. “It took an army of chamber volunteers and local merchants who donate their time and funds to consistently make this happen,” said Vickers.

Sportsfest sponsors were Dollar General, Capital City Bank, Scherer Construction, Palms Medical, Pizza in the Hood, Okito, MiApa, Conestogas, Boukari Realty, Campus USA Credit Union, Edward Jones Potts & Surrency, Concept Companies, Menadier Engineering, San Felasco Tech City, Waco Properties, Santa Fe Ford, Florida Credit Union, Douglas Adel, Waste Pro, Easy Dumpster, ReMax, State Farm, Sysco, True Force Roofing, New Generation Builders, Polaris, and the City of Alachua.

“The City of Alachua's crew was amazing, generously donating their tent, tables, and chairs for the event,” said Vickers, adding, “We also had numerous wonderful hole sponsors and community donations, all contributing to making this event unforgettable.”

The success of the tournament was made possible by longstanding sponsors such as Dollar General and Capital City Bank, whose support continues to foster positive impacts across Alachua.

A shoutout from Vickers captured the event’s long running success, “Thank you to everyone who made this year's Sportsfest one for the books! We can’t wait till next year.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com