The Putnam General Hospital Foundation is gearing up for the annual Putnam General Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament at Long Shadow Golf Course in Madison Monday, Sept. 13.

The tournament, which is in its 16th year, helps raise money for worthy causes at the hospital each year, and this year is no exception as all proceeds will go toward cataract and orthopedic surgical equipment.

PGH Public Relations Director Candice Mauldin said the event is the biggest fundraiser that is held for the hospital each year.

“This is our biggest annual fundraiser, so all the funds that we raise here go directly to patient care and equipment to make the hospital better and more state-of-the-art for our patients,” she said.

More than 100 golfers participated in last year’s tournament, which raised more than $50,000 to benefit Putnam General Hospital.

Last year’s funds enabled the hospital to purchase new IV infusion pumps that administer medicine and blood to patients.  

This year’s tournament, which is presented by Farmers and Merchants Bank, offers players more than $5,000 in prizes and a silent auction.

“We give out cash prizes to the top five teams and then also, we give out golf balls to the longest drive and closest to the hole,” she said. “And then we also have a great silent auction for the players.”  

The price is $175 per player or $700 for a team of four, and the tournament is a modified Oldsmobile scramble format.

The shotgun start will begin at 10 a.m. with lunch following play.

Golfers may sign up in teams of four or as individuals and be paired off.

Mauldin said sponsorships are a great way to participate as an individual or as a business if you’re not an avid golfer.

“You don’t have to just be a golfer,” she said. “Your business can be a sponsor. It’s a great way not only for individuals to participate and give back to the hospital, but also businesses.”  

The PGH Foundation is still accepting sponsorships, which range from $100 for a half-hole sponsor to $2,500 as a Platinum Sponsor, and all sponsorships are tax-deductible and go to benefit Putnam General Hospital.

To become a sponsor, donate to the Putnam General Hospital Foundation Fund or to sign up to participate in this year’s tournament, call Candice Mauldin at (706) 923-2028, Ext. 202, or e-mail her at cmauldin@putnamgeneral.com.