Symetra Tour returns to Firekeeper in September
Next month, the Symetra Tour (the Ladies Professional Golf Association feeder tour) will return to Firekeeper Golf Course just outside of Mayetta for the 2015 Prairie Band Casino and Resort Charity Classic.
Like any event, growth is expected in the second year and that is something tournament director and Firekeeper general manager Randy Towner has already seen.
Towner said the tournament will see a lot more participation in the Pro-Am event that will kick off the tournament, which means more money will be raised for charity (The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Topeka).
In addition, the tournament will see some growth by association, as the Potawatomi Cup (that the Prairie Band Casino and Resort Charity Classic is a part of) expanded to five events this season. That pushed the total prize purse to $50,000 and the overall winner of the Potawatomi Cup, which will be awarded at Firekeeper Golf Course, will receive a $6,000 bonus.
While Towner said a lot was learned after the first year of the tournament and plans for the second year of the event are solidifying quicker, the biggest change may be in accessibility to both fans and players.
At the 2015 event, admission will be free to the public, but local families will also have the chance to get more up close and personal with the golfers as the tournament is looking for volunteers to host the Symetra Tour players for the duration of the event this year.
Currently, Towner said the course has arranged housing for golfers with 30 area families. Any additional families interested in hosting a tour pro can visit the course’s website (www.firekeepergolf.com) and click on the Symetra Tour volunteer link or contact Robert Jones for more information at (785) 224-8198 or nejrkj67@hotmail.com.
With a concert by George Thorogood and The Destroyers scheduled to close out the event as well, the Prairie Band Casino and Resort Charity Classic looks to be a bigger and better affair in 2015 for everyone involved.
The tournament will be held Sept. 11, 12 and 13 with 144 golfers from 30 countries competing in the event. This season marks the 35th year of competition on the Symetra Tour, with the top 10 money winners each season qualifying for membership on the LPGA Tour.
