Bridgewater Middle to tee off with first golf tourney

Golfers: Get ready for tee time.

Bridgewater Middle School is hosting its inaugural golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 15, at West Orange Country Club, in Winter Garden.

Bridgewater Athletic Director Aaron Bentley came up with the idea for the tournament while playing a round of golf with his dad and said he hopes the fundraiser will become an annual event. 

“This is my second year as athletic director here, and I wanted to get something started at the school that will benefit them in the long run,” Bentley said. 

The tournament is open to all golfers. Parents, teachers, school staff, other coaches from Orange County and even Bridgewater’s principal will be competing. 

“It’s going to benefit the athletic department for Bridgewater Middle School,” Bentley said. “(The money) is going to be used to buy new uniforms for the basketball and track teams, new equipment ... and then some things just for luxury for them to have, like a tent (for) track meets. We don’t currently have one for Bridgewater, so this would help keep them shaded during the meets. 

“I’m looking to get new basketballs for the team,” he said. “For track, we need to get some things to help them work on their power and their speed, so I want to get stuff along those lines.” 

Golfers also will have a chance to participate in a raffle and in a silent auction. Raffle items include $50 in “Uno’s Cash” to use at Uno’s Pizza, a gift basket from WaWa, dinner for two at 4 Rivers and free subs from Firehouse Subs, among other prizes, Bentley said. 

“As a part of the tournament, you can buy a ‘mulligan package,’ which will come with a few raffle tickets for you, a cheat string for when someone’s on the green and a few mulligans if you want to re-hit your ball,” he said. “I’m hop- ing everyone will walk away with something (from the raffle or auction).” 

The tournament is just one initiative Bentley has worked on to help raise money for the school’s athletes. He has another fundraising event planned for the spring. 

“The first thing on my list of big fundraisers is this (golf tournament), and then I’m hoping to do — in the spring — a 5K,” Bentley said. “We (have) a lot of students here, and a lot of support is needed, especially for athletics.”