Abben Golf Classic Swings Over to New Format During COVID-19 Pandemic

posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in Foundation

For nearly fifteen years, the Abben Golf Classic has been the premier event at the Emerald Hills golf course in Arnolds Park on the last Sunday of August. However, out of concern for participants during the COVID-19 health crisis, the 2020 Abben Golf Classic is being planned with social distancing in mind.

“We’ve had many discussions about the feasibility and design of the 2020 Abben Golf Classic, keeping foremost in mind the health of all our participants. We even discussed the possibility of canceling,” commented Susan Zulk, Abben Cancer Center representative. “Yet, the reality is the purpose of the event remains important. Additionally, in visiting with our longtime presenting sponsors, the Shine family and the team at Farmer’s Trust and Savings Bank, they emphasized their full commitment to supporting our work at Abben Cancer Center.”

The 2020 Abben Golf Classic will occur, yet with a special format to ensure proper social distancing. Rather than gathering for a single-day event, sponsors and golfers who wish to participate will be able to schedule tee-times that fit their schedule at Emerald Hills over the next several weeks.

“Our sponsors will receive all the same marketing they have enjoyed in years past, and more,” said Randy Rohlfsen, Emerald Hills golf pro. “Instead of a sponsor sign or banner being placed on the golf course the day of the event, we will display your business sign either right here at Emerald Hills or in the Spencer Hospital Grand Avenue Park for the last full week of August. We believe this will allow more community members to see and appreciate the goodness of our sponsors.”

Businesses can choose from a variety of sponsorship levels. A bronze level sponsorship offers brand recognition in event marketing materials as well as an individual personalized sign. Silver, gold and platinum level sponsorships afford donors the opportunity to join in golf for the event with complimentary green fees.

“We know these past few months may have caused financial stress on our area businesses and we want to be sensitive to that and respect their decision to take a year off,” emphasized Zulk.

While the socially distant event will look different this year, it also opens up opportunity for more community members to get involved.

“Since this isn’t a one day event, we hope that more community members will put together a foursome, schedule a tee-time and golf for the cause,” commented Rohlfsen. “Often we hear that people aren’t around for our event. This year you get to choose your date and time.”

For more information about the Abben Golf event or about how you can become a sponsor, please contact Susan Zulk at (712) 264-6461 or giving@spencerhospital.org.  Sponsors and individual golfers can also register and pay by visiting the event website at https://abben-golf-classic-virtual-event.perfectgolfevent.com/