Golfers hit the links to benefit Schaumburg Park Foundation

Civic-minded golfers zipped off in their carts and took over the Schaumburg Golf Course on Wednesday for the 8th annual Links Technology Cup, an 18-hole outing benefiting the Schaumburg Park Foundation.

Pat Casler, executive vice president of the foundation, said funds raised by sponsors and golfers pay for recreation scholarships for needy families, park amenities and other park district needs.

"I think one of the best things out here is the camaraderie that both our sponsors and the golfers have throughout the day," she said, noting that the event gets bigger each year.

"Of course the cornerstone of the event is Links Technology, which has been a supportive sponsor for the foundation for more than 20 years," Casler said.

Every other hole on the course featured food and/or beverages from area restaurants as part of a "Taste on the Tee," and dinner was provided by Chandler's Chophouse. The top foursome was commemorated on the Links Cup trophy.

"We raised a pile of money here today. ... Everybody has a tremendous amount of fun, and everything is donated - I mean everything - dinner, drinks, everything on the holes, so that there's no cost to the park district for this," said Bryan Burke, president and CEO of Links Technology. "In fact, the golf course donates the golf course as well. So with no cost and all income, it's a highly profitable event.

"After you've done something for eight years and it goes this well, it's really gratifying," he said.

For more information on the Schaumburg Park Foundation, visit schaumburgparkfoundation.org.