PGA Hall of Famer Tom Watson Helps Benedictine Raise Scholarship Funds

from Benedictine University

Tom Watson, the revered professional golfer and six-time PGA Tour Player of the Year, will be the featured guest at the 18th Annual President’s Invitational Golf Outing hosted by on Monday, June 25 at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton.

Proceeds from the event help provide scholarships for Benedictine students, who now are depending on financial assistance more than ever so they may achieve a high-quality, values-based education. While Benedictine has supportive donors and alumni who contribute to scholarships throughout the year, the need for assistance continues to outweigh available resources.

Registration and the putting contest begin at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at 11 a.m. Golf begins at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start. Cocktails, dinner and program begin at 5:30 p.m., where Watson will share stories of his days on the PGA tour.

Watson has won 39 times on the PGA tour with an aggressive, fast-paced style. Playing mostly on the over-50 Champions Tour now, he has won 13 more tournaments, including five senior majors.

Throughout his career, Watson has been a respected sportsman and spokesman for the sport. He received the U.S. Golf Association’s prestigious Bob Jones award for distinguished sportsmanship in 1987 and was elected to the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame the following year.

Today, Watson is active in several charities, including a golf tournament benefiting a local hospital in his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., the Clubs for Kids program and a foundation devoted to finding a cure for ALS.

William Bartlett II, Benedictine University trustee, is the honorary chair of the golf outing and Bruce Bonge, president of International Contractors Inc., is the honorary co-chair. The event is sponsored by the Benedictine University Board of Trustees.

Major sponsors include U.S. Bank; Sodexo; Corporate Strategies and Solutions, Inc.; DLR Group; International Contractors, Inc.; Will Gillett, University trustee chair; Paul Gauvreau, University trustee; Katherine Donofrio, University trustee; Daniel Romano, University trustee; Kay and Michael Birck, University trustees; Benedictine University Alumni Association; Deltak edu, Inc.; Navistar, Inc.; National Van Lines; Ice Miller LLP; Nicor Gas; Low Voltage Solutions, Inc.; Alliance Co.; First Midwest Bank; Inland Real Estate Group; MVP Plumbing; Kopon Airdo LLC; Delta Dental; National Electrical Contractors Association-International Brother of Electrical Workers Local 701; Admiral Heating and Ventilating, Inc.; Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Illinois; Vortex; Vanguard; ThyssenKrupp Elevator; Wolf & Company LLP; Lisle Savings Bank; Magnetrol; Affordable Fire Protection, Inc.; Lisle/Naperville Hilton; and B. Gunther & Company, Inc.

The cost for golf and dinner is $275 per person ($1,100 per foursome). Dinner only tickets are $100 per person.