Tribe Sponsors West Coast Golf Tournament

By Adelsa Williams

LAS VEGAS, NV — On April 15, Seminole golfers gathered in fabulous Las Vegas for a grand round of golf at the Bali Hai Golf Resort. Golfers traveled a long way from home to enjoy their own sponsored tournament by The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., Hollywood Council Representative Max B. Osceola Jr. and Tampa Liaison Richard Henry .

The event was open only to Tribal citizens and associates who were attending the annual Las Vegas , Paiute National All Indian golf tournament which took place the following two days. Fifty percent of their handicap was used and the format for the tournament was stroke play.

Awards were based on closest to the pin and long drive.

At early hours of the morning, enthusiastic golfers gathered at the infamous golf course. Besides the beautiful weather with moderate sunshine and a cool breeze, everyone enjoyed and experienced what the Professional Golf Association (PGA) once did.

The Bali Hai resort is famous for hosting the popular PGA’s all men Big Break I & II television series filmed on the premises. The show is currently airing the all-women PGA series at a different golf course that draws an enormous number of viewers who enjoy the sport.

A total of 24 players cheerfully grouped after the tournament at the terrace of the golf course to await the results. Many discussed their skillful plan of game for the upcoming National competition and entertaining activities they would enjoy during the getaway weekend at the city of entertainment.

During the announcement of the winners, Tribal citizen Mitch Osceola acknowledged all who sponsored the event, covered entry fees, donated golf balls and prize money. The list included Hollywood Council Representative Max B. Osceola Jr., Hollywood Board Representative David DeHass, Tampa Liaison Richard Henry , Big Cypress Council Representative David Cypress, Big Cypress Board Representative Paul Bowers, Brighton Board Representative Johnny Jones and Brighton Recreation department Director Richard Osceola.

Below are the results.

Overall: 1. Allen Huff, 2. James Tommie, 3 & 4. Steve Osceola and Mitch Osceola (Tie), 5. Marcy Osceola Jr., 6. Max B. Osceola, Jr., 7 & 8. Curtis Osceola and Richard Henry (Tie), 9. Terry Hahn, 10. John Madrigal, 11. Max Tommie, 12. Cicero Osceola, 13. Linda Tommie, 14, 15 & 16. Jessie Jimmie, David Osceola and David DeHass (Tie), 17. Clarence Motlow, 18. Steven Bowers, 19. Rufus Tiger, 20. Marilyn Doney, 21. Allen Huff, 22. Debbie Henry, 23. Jackie Thompson.

Closest to the Pin: #6 & 11 James Tommie, #9 & 14 Terry Hahn, #16 Clarence Motlow.

Long Drives: Men – James Tommie; Women – Jackie Thompson.

Birdies: #7 Steven Bowers, #9 Max B. Osceola, Jr., Curtis Osceola and Terry Hahn, #9 & 10 Mitch Osceola, #13 Allen Huff, #15 Jackie Thompson, #16 Steve Osceola.