At times it feels as though if you’ve played in one charity golf event, you’ve played in a million. The routine is typically the same, with the charity acting as the one variable.  Don’t get me wrong, for the charity events that actually return money to the non-profits there is tremendous upside. However, from a participant perspective the tournaments can often blend together with little differentiation.

Then there’s the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am – easily the finest fundraising golf event in which I’ve ever played. There are a several reasons for this both having to do with golf and with the charities that the tournament serves.  First, it’s a real tournament! Imagine that. The Tapemark is not only among the longest charity events of its kind in the United States, it’s considered one of the Minnesota Section PGA’s 4 “Majors.” Ask any golf professional in the state and not only do they know about it, they will also tell you it’s one of the best events of the year.

Secondly, as an entrant in the field, you are paired with a PGA professional who is competing as an individual and also with you as a member of your team. Though I would stop just short of saying this is a “stressful” event for the amateurs, there is an authentic competitive influence when playing.

The most significant part of playing in the Tapmark though, is the charity aspect. The event benefits multiple non-profit agencies that help people who live with developmental and learning disabilities. In the near 40 years that the event has been played, they’ve donated more than $6 million to local charities. These agencies have come to rely on the generous contributions from the event and sustain various programs that benefit their constituents year after year.

The lives of some of the golf professionals who play are affected by the work of the Tapemark and their affiliate charities. Of course many of the amateur golfers also realize the positive impact.

Finally, there’s tremendous “value” for the golfers in the event. Assuming you make the cut, you play three rounds at Southview Country Club, a wonderful dinner party Saturday night and easily the best tee gifts that you’ll find at any charity tournament bar none!

Yes, this is a charity golf event in a market where you can find multiple fundraising golf events every week, but I guarantee you, if you play the Tapemark, it will be nothing like any other golf event you’ve ever played before.