YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Dozens of local golf players gathered at Mesa del Sol Golf Course for a day of friendly competition to support of the Gila Ridge High School golf teams.
The inaugural Birdie Bash took place Saturday morning, drawing a strong turnout with 24 teams and 95 golfers participating. The event was organized to help raise funds for the school’s golf program.
“It feels so amazing,” said Lindy Caudle, President of the Gila Ridge Golf Teams Booster Club. “Our team is very small – golf teams are not typically very large – so the impact is going to be huge on [our teams].”
Participants included current players, Yuma locals and even alumni who returned to show their school spirit.
“I love to come out here [and represent] Gila Ridge,” said 2015 Gila Ridge High School graduate and former Hawks golfer Dustin Craig.
One of the highlights of the day was a 50/50 Ball Drop Raffle, with half the proceeds benefiting the teams and the other half awarded to the golfer whose numbered ball landed closest to the hole.
Participants also had a chance to test their skills directly against the Hawks’ boys golf team by purchasing a challenge shot on Hole 17 and challenging them with a shot to see who landed closest to the pin.
“[The challenge has] been going really well,” said current Hawks player Matthew Taylor. “We have a lot of the guys doing really well, hitting good and competing.”
For team member Jacobo Hernandez, the community’s support didn’t go unnoticed.
“It feels good to have all these people come out here and support us, and help raise money,” he said.
In total, the Birdie Bash raised more than $5,000, with the funds going toward travel expenses for the teams’ first-ever out-of-town invitational match, as well as new golf equipment.
