Nothing says “summer is on the way,” quite like Cinco De Mayo.

The festive holiday is an excellent opportunity to gather with friends, eat good food and play a few rounds of charity golf if the Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce has anything to say about it.
On May 5, at Gates Four Golf and Country Club, the Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce will host
its Annual Cinco De Mayo GolfTournament.

A long-standing event within the community, the golf tournament is a popular fundraising opportunity for the people of Hope Mills and surrounding areas.

“The objective of this event is multi-purpose,” says Lisa Bastic-Penardo, treasurer, Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The tournament raises funds for the Chamber of Commerce and a local non-profit. This year we’ve partnered with United Way, so a portion of the proceeds will support that organization and its various projects.”

The Golf Tournament Committee made up of Connie Rushing, Nolan Clark, Brenda Seay and Bastic-Penardo, has been busy planning the event since last September, working hard to get everything just right.

“We wanted to continue the tradition of the golf tournament,” Bastic-Penardo said. “Our Chamber is blessed to have such like-minded people working together to make everything a success. It’s a lot of work, but it’s always worth it in the end.”

“The tournament has been going on around twenty years — It’s been around here a lot longer than me,” she said.

As the town of Hope Mills prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary and the chamber its 30th, the tournament is one of the community’s oldest and most memorable events.

Just right for Cinco De Mayo, this year’s theme is Tacos & Margaritas and evokes the sense of fun Bastic-Penardo hopes everyone will take away from the event.

Participants can sign up as a team of four or as individuals with a cost of $100 per player.

Registration for the tournament begins at noon with a shotgun starting at 1 p.m. Awards and dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
Those participating will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a four-person captain’s choice format and unlimited range balls before the tournament begins.
Additionally, the admission cost covers a cart, green fee, boxed lunch and a taco & margarita dinner buffet.

The tournament will also feature several contests to heighten the sense of fun. Awards for first and worst, closest to the pin and longest drive are all up for grabs for those daring to show off their golf skills.

For those lacking in the aforementioned golf skills, there’s no need to worry — all skill levels are welcome.

“Everybody is invited to come,” says Bastic-Penardo. “It will be a great day for anyone who wants to have a good time, relax with other like-minded people, and enjoy a little family-friendly competition.”
Gates Four Golf and Country Club is located at 6775 Irongate Drive in Fayetteville.
For more information about the tournament, visit the event website at www.visitfayettevillenc.com/event/cinco-de-mayo-charity-golf-tournament/17588/.