Golfing fore a cause

The Shelby Chamber is making preparations for its Tee It Up Fore Education golf tournament.

This will be the 30th year of the event, which raises money to help fund the chamber’s career readiness program along with student and educator of the year scholarships.

Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, at Timberline Golf Club in Calera, the tournament will feature shotgun shots at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. There were 55 foursomes in last year’s tournament, and this year’s event is set to be close to capacity.

“This past year, we were able to award a total of five scholarships: two to college ready students, two who are career-ready who will do additional training or attend a two-year college and one leadership scholarship, which is chosen out of all the nominations,” Chamber Director Kirk Mancer said.

All student scholarships are $1,000, and three teachers (elementary, secondary and high school) each received $750.

The tournament also helps fund the chamber’s other career readiness programs that include the ninth grade Keeping It Real program, the 10th grade Connect to Careers and the 11th grade Communication Matters.

New this year is the Ready to Work program, which will begin as a pilot program taught in four schools in Shelby County by a certified teacher with the Alabama Department of Labor. Students who complete this class will receive a certification from the Alabama Department of Labor along with their diploma.

The tournament provides a way to meet, connect and also win prizes. It will also include a putting contest, hole-in-one contest and more.

“Not only is it exercise, but businesses networking,” Mancer said. “You don’t have to be a great golfer, but it’s an excellent opportunity to meet some folks.”

Golfer registration ends Sept. 4. For more information, visit shelbychamber.org/events.