A Patriots Fund Charity Golf Tournament in September was an outing which encouraged "social fellowship and charity between a broad range of participants," according to Pete Peterson, who is one of the organizers. The Holly Oakes Golf Course, at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, is close and familiar turf for many, and provided the perfect place to play a few rounds and have fun, while getting some sun and exercise.

Four person teams were made up of current and future residents and board members of Patriots Colony, Riverside Health System management, and Patriots Colony staff. Also on the schedule for the day were Captain's Choice and shotgun events.

"Golf skill is secondary to the tournament," said Pete, whose primary role is to select the teams. "We try to balance the teams to make sure they're equal." Residents host the event, so one or two are on each team. With 60-70 players, two groups began on every hole, and each went around the nine hole course twice.

In 1997, the Patriots Colony Board of Directors established the Patriots Fund, to meet the needs of residents who may, through no fault of their own, experience financial difficulties. The Charity Golf

Tournament is just one more way to join together as a community and help others who may someday be in need.

For every participant in the Golf Tournament, $15 was donated to the Patriots Fund. Approximately 18 local organizations, including Riverside Health System and Centura Bank, sponsored holes for $75 each. "This is a nice way to contribute," noted Pete Peterson. The boxed lunch afterwards was an opportune time to socialize.

Tournament organizers look forward to sponsoring more golf events in the future, especially since it is a favorite sport in the community, and Williamsburg is one of the golf capitals of the United States.