Tee Off FORE the Animals Charity Golf Tournament

Friends of the Zoo Plans June 7 Golf Tourney at Bellevue Country Club

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will hold its first ever 18-hole golf tournament at historic Bellevue Country Club on Monday, June 7, 2021. The Tee Off FORE the Animals charity golf tournament will replace the former “Birdies Before Brew” 9-hole event at Burnet Park that traditionally preceded the annual Brew at the Zoo in August.

Friends of the Zoo decided to hold a bigger, more competitive golf tournament to attract more golfers to a coveted, private championship course and introduce golfers to the zoo as a worthy CNY cause, said Friends of the Zoo Development Director Heidi Strong.

“In planning a fundraiser during COVID, we saw that golf is one of the best options for something people can safely do outdoors,” Strong said. “Bellevue is a great place that has hosted many charity golf tournaments, so we can count on an awesome event with special zoo twists to highlight our cause.”

The Captain-and-Crew tournament features a continental breakfast, lunch on the links and a post-tournament dinner in Bellevue’s classic luxury Clubhouse. The event will include on-course contests, an animal theme that will “bring the zoo to the golf course,” and 18 holes of championship golf on Bellevue’s tree-lined, wooded fairways, Strong said.

Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s missions of top-notch animal care, wildlife conservation and education to connect people to the natural world, said Friends of the Zoo Executive Director Carrie Large.

“The goal of Friends of the Zoo is to support our world-class zoo with world-class events, programs and services,” Large said. “We want the community to have fun on the golf course knowing they are supporting their zoo and the welfare of our animals.”

Bellevue Country Club was designed by famed golf course architect Donald Ross and opened in 1916. It holds a 100-year reputation as a challenging course with tight fairways, unique water hazards and fast greens as well as breathtaking views of the Syracuse skyline and surrounding hills.

Strong said Friends of the Zoo is seeking tournament participants and sponsors as well as donations for an online silent auction of sports memorabilia to be held in conjunction with the golf event. Anyone interested in being part of this event may contact Heidi Strong at (315) 435-8511 x8526 or hstrong@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

For more information and updates on the June 7 golf tournament, please visit rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

What: Tee Off FORE the Animals Charity Golf Tournament

When: Monday, June 7, 2021. All day event.

Where: Bellevue Country Club

            1901 Glenwood Avenue

Syracuse, NY 13207

Cost: Foursome - $1,750

·     1 Foursome in the Tee-Off FORE the Animals Charity Golf Tournament

·     Company to be included on the Golf Tournament webpage

·     Company name to be included in sponsorship list in the event program

·     Each member of the foursome will enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, lunch and dinner 

·     Each member of the foursome will receive a complimentary gift for participating in the event

Individual Golfer - $500

·     1 player spot in the Tee-Off FORE the Animals Charity Golf Tournament

·     Company to be included on the Golf Tournament webpage

·     Company name to be included in sponsorship list in the event program

·     Complimentary continental breakfast, lunch and dinner 

·     Complimentary gift for participating in the event

Contact: Heidi Strong, hstrong@rosamondgiffordzoo.org or (315) 435-8511 x8526