Bloomington golf tournament gives helping hand to disadvantaged youth

Golfers from all around Bloomington played through the heat on Wednesday as part of the 15th annual Don Brineman Memorial Scramble at the city’s Cascades Golf Course, 3550 N. Kinser Pike.\nTwenty-two teams totaling 88 players participated in the daylong event. The registration fee for the event was $60 per player or $240 per team. After the event, organizers held raffles with prizes ranging from restaurant gift certificates to IU sports memorabilia. The proceeds from the day’s festivities will benefit the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Foundation’s Lloyd Olcott Youth Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for disadvantaged youth to participate in Bloomington Parks and Recreation programs.\nThe Bloomington Parks and Recreation Sports Director John Turnbull said the money from the event would provide a chance for low-income children in the community to enjoy some of the youth programs offered by the city.\n“(Bloomington Parks and Recreation) puts on camps all summer long, as well as swimming, tennis and golf lessons,” Turnbull said. “This event gives underprivileged kids an opportunity to be involved in activities they normally could not afford.” \nThe weather cooperated on Wednesday, unlike last year, when players were forced to play through wet conditions, said Cascades Golf Program Coordinator Todd Fleener. \n“Last year people were on and off the course with rain delays,” Fleener said. “This year we were lucky with the weather. Everyone has been in a great mood and ready to play.”\nTurnbull said he is looking forward to a summer full of events similar to the Don Brineman Memorial. The second week in August, the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Foundation will sponsor a program called “Hook a Kid on Golf.” The event will provide free lessons for 40 kids who normally would not be able to enjoy the golf experience, Turnbull said. The program includes a free bucket of balls each day, instructions on the game and guest speakers.