Future Stars Sports Clinic holding celebrity fundraising golf tournament at Gator Lakes

Collin Bestor, Northwest Florida Daily News
·3 min read

FORT WALTON BEACH — "A golf tournament unlike any other" is how Coach Chris Torres describes the inaugural Future Stars Sports Clinic Charity Celebrity Golf Tournament coming to Gator Lakes Golf Course on March. 2.

The event aims to raise money for FSSC to expand operations and buy the sports complex it operates on to continue to serve young athletes in Okaloosa County.

What is Future Stars Sports Clinic?

Founded by Torres, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, FSSC is a nonprofit that aims to instill confidence in children through the avenue of sports training during a five-week clinic that blends fun with diligent training and mentorship.

FSSC says it's guided by the motto "If we believe we can, then we will," and focuses on five critical pillars of success — practice, teamwork, discipline, focus and respect. It is taught through an all-volunteer staff of residents, military members and local high school coaches and players.

"Those five pillars are what is going to make these kids future leaders and successful in whatever they do," Torres said.

What can people expect?

Along with the typical fun and excitement that comes with a golf tournament, Torres plans to offer something different to those who attend, with the added bonus of meeting former NFL players and celebrities.

Torres told the Northwest Florida Daily News that former Escambia High School standout and NFL defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin will be in attendance along with an unnamed movie star. Also providing entertainment will be a group of comedians with military experience who will provide heckling services to those who need a laugh.

As FSSC looks for sponsors to help fund the tournament, those funds will also be used for a variety of prize packages for a few lucky winners. Prizes include:

  • Long Drive Contest - Massage Gun.

  • Closest to the Pin - Digital Range Finder.

  • Hole-in-One Challenge for $5,000 and $10,000.

  • An all-expense paid trip for two to The Masters.

  • An all-expense paid trip for two to the NBA Finals.

Sponsorship packages range from $100 to $5,000. Local businesses that are interested can sign up at https//:charitygolftoday.com/register?e=12836&ce=57c29f.

Sponsorship signup will end Feb. 16.

Signup information

Even though the event will be held at Hurlburt Field, a Department of Defense ID card does not stop anyone from participating. To sign up, go to https//:charitygolftoday.com/register?e=12836&ce=57c29f. Once there, you can download a golf affidavit form, which must be dropped off at the Hurlburt Field Visitor Center.

Not only will the affidavit give you access to the course for the event, but it also grants access for a six-month time period.

Registration fees range from $75 to $300 for either a single golfer or a four-person team. Included with registration are breakfast, access to practice facilities, goodie bags, lunch banquet, 18 holes of golf with a cart and snacks and beverages.

Registration for the event ends on March 2 at 8 a.m.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Future Stars Sports Clinic plans inaugural celebrity golf tournament