Over 200 golfers who took to the links for Central Florida's premier charity golf event, The Twelfth Annual - Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic held at the beautiful Heathrow and Red Tail Country Clubs on Monday, October 6, 2008.

Golfers had their choice of playing either course, which each had a shotgun start, and competed in a Shamble system of scoring, for awards and prizes. Players enjoyed lunch, on-course food and on-course contests; and all participants received an exclusive tournament Nike goodie bag. This year's winning team was "Team BB&T" - Paul Jesson, Kyle Smith, Mike Smith and Bill Tsukalas.

After a day of golf and camaraderie, tournament participants returned to the Heathrow Country Club for a gourmet feast, provided by the Heathrow Country Club Catering staff and Gator's Dockside Restaurants.

The day was topped off with a live auction, co-hosted by WESH Channel 2's (NBC) Anchor and Special Olympics Board Member, Jim Payne, and Sports Director, Pat Clarke.

All proceeds from this event benefit the 15,000 athletes of Special Olympics Florida. To date, this tournament has netted over $1,500,000 for Special Olympics Florida!

Check out photos from the 2008 tournament! (Be sure to scroll through the gallery screens until you reach the "12th Annual Special Olympics Florida Golf Classic" gallery).

See the list of Tournament Champions

To the companies and individuals who participated in the tournament, "thank you!" Your participation helps Special Olympics Florida provide sports training and competition programs, which enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. The skills these athletes learn through sports help build confidence and self-esteem, which carries over into all aspects of their lives!