By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Fresh off the heels of a charity golf event with Magic City Indoor Golf, The Arc of Shelby County has announced another event on the links to support a great cause.

The 17th Annual Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, May 1 at Ballantrae Golf Club beginning at 1 p.m. The event will have a shotgun start, and all proceeds will directly benefit The Arc of Shelby County.

“Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a weekend warrior, come out for a day of fun, friendly competition and support a great cause,” read a Facebook post from The Arc of Shelby County.

Carole Lyons, the director of development and community relations with The Arc, gave a brief overview of the tournament and its main goals.

“The Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament is an exciting annual fundraising event that brings together golf enthusiasts, community leaders and supporters to raise funds for The Arc of Shelby County,” Lyons said. “This is our 17th year having our golf tournament. Our tournament offers a day of friendly competition on the green while helping to fund our programs and services for the individuals we serve with developmental disabilities and delays and their families.”

Lyons added that the event has extra importance considering it is the largest fundraiser for The Arc every year.

“The Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament is our largest fundraiser each year and is an essential event for The Arc of Shelby County, as it directly supports our mission to advocate for and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Lyons said. “As an organization, we are committed to enhancing the lives of those we serve through a wide range of programs, services and community initiatives.”

Golf is a sport known for its difficulty, but Lyons emphasized that this event in particular is extremely accessible.

“We are inviting anyone in the community to be involved with our event,” Lyons said. “The Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament sold out in 2024, and we hope that our golfers from past years come out to golf again, but we would love some new golfers to come out and support us on May 1.”

Lyons closed by sharing some of the goals The Arc has for one of its flagship events.

“We have high hopes and clear goals for the event,” Lyons said. “We are excited to see the community come together for a day of golf, fun and most importantly support for individuals with developmental disabilities and delays. Our primary goal is to raise even more funds than in previous years to support our programs, services and advocacy efforts. Every dollar raised will directly benefit those we serve, helping us to provide resources that make a lasting impact on their lives.”

She also added that an expanded reach and awareness for the event is another goal the Arc has.

“We hope to expand the reach of this event, attracting more sponsors, donors and participants than ever before,” Lyons said. “By increasing awareness about the work we do, we aim to build stronger community partnerships and create lasting relationships with new supporters. Our hope is that everyone who joins us, whether on the course or through sponsorship, feels connected to our mission and energized to continue supporting our work.”

To register for the 17th Annual Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament, visit Swingingforeachievement2025.swell.gives or Thearcofshelby.org. Individual registration costs $175. Team registration, which consists of four players, costs $700. Registration includes a green and cart fee, pre-round practice balls, lunch, a yardage book, a goodie bag and more.

The Arc of Shelby County is also accepting sponsorships with a variety of levels to choose from. To become a sponsor, visit Secure.swell.gives/swingingforeachievement2025/sponsorships#/sponsorship.

“This year we are also offering a special sponsorship level, The Arc Friends & Family Sponsorship,” Lyons said. “It includes a picture of a loved one that receives or has received services from The Arc of Shelby County. It is a great way to spotlight a loved one.”

If you would like to volunteer at the event, contact Carole.lyons@thearcofshelby.org.