National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial Golf Classic
Set for Barefoot Resort

TravelGolf.com Staff Report

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 1, 2002) - Retired Monroe County, N.Y. Sheriff's Deputy Dan Morphet just wanted to move to Myrtle Beach and play golf eight days a week. That is until a visit to the Memorial Wall for police officers killed in the line of duty changed his life, and inspired him to spearhead one of the Grand Strand's most influential amateur golf tournaments - the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Golf Classic

"I made a trip back to Rochester (New York) several years ago and found out that one of my academy class mates and good friends wife also became a Sheriff's Deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff's Dept and was killed in the line of duty," Morphet says.

"Then I made a trip to Washington, D.C. and saw her name on the Memorial Wall and it brought tears to my eyes thinking that Larry, my classmate, must be going through hell with several children still at home and no mother."

Morphet contacted the director of the Memorial in hopes of starting a fund raising golf tournament in Myrtle Beach, and even fit in a visit during his trip to D.C. After several attempts, he was finally given the green light to go ahead with the event. Since its inception three years ago, the tournament has donated more than $13,000 to its cause.

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This year, the event will be held at one of the Southeast's finest golf facilities -- Myrtle Beach's Barefoot Resort. The tournament will take place on the Resort's Norman, Fazio, Love and Dye courses Nov. 11-15, and Morphet is already taking reservations for play.

Morphet says that participation levels by local law enforcement officers has been surprisingly low over the past three years, and he hopes more officers will participate this year to show their support of a symbol that pays tribute to those who died in the line of duty

You don't have to be a pro to show you care: any golfer with a USGA handicap can enter to play. Individuals or businesses that would like to become a sponsor or contributor may do so as well. And skimming off the top won't happen here as 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to the Memorial Wall fund.

The $429 double occupancy fee includes four nights stay at Courtyard by Marriott, four breakfasts, four rounds of golf, daily cart use, welcoming party complete with 2-hour open bar, gifts, awards banquet and winners in the single and team events. Morphet says, last year's giveaways totaled over $38,000 in vacations and golf equipment like Callaway bags, irons, woods and putters.

For more information:
Contact Dan Morphet at (877) 465-3467 (outside S.C.) or (843) 399-6060 (inside S.C.) or visit Golfinthecarolinas.net