It’s almost time for the Moore Buddies annual Rigsby-Clark benefit golf tournament, and Bob Rigsby is already getting excited.

There’s plenty of reason for the excitement, too. The 15th running of this popular event features a new venue and two new committee members, Bob Sasser and David Wyckoff.

“There’s some big doings at Longleaf Golf Club on August 27,” Rigsby said, “and things are developing quickly.”

How quickly? Well, according to the enthusiastic Rigsby, the morning portion of the double shotgun event is practically filled up already.

“We still need some afternoon players,” Rigsby said. “But it’s still early, and I’m just kind of holding on as things are coming along great.”

Anyone who has ever participated in this event doesn’t want to miss it. Held at The Pit Golf Links for the first 14 years, it’s moving to Longleaf, another Dan Maples design, due to the closure of The Pit, which has been purchased by Pinehurst Resort.

The two-tiered captain’s choice tournament has shotgun starts at 8:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $85 per player for the a.m. shotgun and $75 for the afternoon.

As former players have learned, the entry fee is more than covered by the extensive tournament goodie bag presented to the players before teeing off. Does your wife need some shampoo or hair conditioner? Do you need some deodorant or bath products? Sign up, show up and you’ll need help carrying the box of goodies to the car before you tee off.

“The prizes are coming along great this year,” Rigsby enthused. “As usual, we have the new car for a hole-in-one, and this year we’re adding a street-ready golf cart on one of the other par-3 holes.”

There are prizes being awarded to the first three teams, the longest drive and closest to the pin, as well as major prizes for any aces on holes other than those featuring the cart and golf cart. And that isn’t even mentioning the great barbecue lunch and the Cheerwine to wash it down.

But none of this is as important as the cause the event benefits. It’s all about the kids who need us most. Moore Buddies is a private nonprofit agency in Moore County working directly with the community to serve youth that are in need.

Sponsorships are available for signs to be placed at tees and greens. These sponsorships range from $100 to $1,000, and donor names are listed in information given to golfers at registration as well an acknowledgment in the Moore Buddies newsletter.

For information or to enter as an individual or team, call (910) 400-5236.

Contact Howard Ward at howardward@att.net.