PGA legend Billy Casper to attend golf outing to benefit kids
Legendary PGA golfer Billy Casper will join local golfers in support of Fox Valley Park District’s 19th annual Golf for Kids Benefit Outing, a perennial fundraiser to aid deserving youth golfers.
All registered golfers will receive an autographed copy of Casper’s acclaimed book, “The Big Three and Me,” the life story of Casper’s rise from meager beginnings to the highest echelons of the PGA and his relationships with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.
Casper, one of the game’s most congenial ambassadors, also will be available for photos and conversation for much of the event Monday, June 24, at Orchard Valley Golf Course. 2411 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora.
“I’m very excited to visit,” said Casper, who resides in San Diego. “As a longtime advocate for junior golf, I always enjoy the opportunity to be involved in helping support kids.”
The Golf for Kids Benefit Outing supports The First Tee of Aurora and Fox River Valley, which funds scholarships that provide golfing opportunities for area children.
“Our mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf,” said First Tee general manager Dan Abella.
Players may register individually or as a group. Registration is $175 per player and includes a tee gift (Mr. Casper’s book and a Nike Performance Dri-Fit golf shirt, total package value $85), green fees with cart for 18 holes, lunch and dinner at Orchards Restaurant, door prizes, raffle prizes and drink coupons.
Casper, regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his time, won 51 PGA tournaments from 1956 to 1975. During a six-year span from 1964 to 1970, Casper won more tournaments than the “Big Three” of Nicklaus, Palmer and Player. He played on eight Ryder Cup teams, accumulating more points than any American golfer, and is renowned as one of the game’s greatest putters. In 2000, Casper was ranked as the 15th greatest golfer of all time by Golf Digest magazine.
His appearance at Orchard Valley is a natural fit. Casper and his wife are very active in charitable work for children and host frequent fundraisers, including an annual tournament at San Diego Country Club for “Billy’s Kids.”
Casper’s golf course management company, Billy Casper Golf, operates more than 140 golf courses in 28 states and is responsible for management operations at Orchard Valley.
For information on Casper’s visit and the Golf for Kids Benefit Golf Outing, visit orchardvalleygolf.com or call (630) 966-4516.