Practically everyone who plays golf in the Carolinas is affected in some way by the Carolinas Golf Association.

It may be because you’re a member of a golf club and your handicap is tabulated from the scores you turn in. Or you may be one of the thousands of golfers who participate in the hundreds of tournaments the CGA conducts annually.

However your golfing life is touched by the CGA, you have to appreciate the work the staff puts in to make everything come together.

Golfers who would like to show their appreciation for the CGA’s work can do so by participating in The Reunion, a first-ever pro-am type gala golfing event scheduled for Oct. 21-22 at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club and Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club in Southern Pines.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Carolinas Golf Foundation, which benefits a variety of initiatives in the Carolinas.

Pine Needles, which has hosted three U.S. Women’s Open Championships, is the site of the official competition. These two Donald Ross-designed courses have earned recognition among the best golf resorts in the country.

The golf tournament is open to anyone but entries are limited and include a stay-and-play package, player gifts and entertainment.

The Carolinas Golf Foundation has existed for 35 years and has donated more than $1.5 million for Carolinas’ causes.

Beneficiaries have included turfgrass scholarships at N.C. State, Clemson and six community colleges, eight Carolinas First Tee programs, USGA/LPGA junior girls programs, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, and more than 40 others.

The event’s sole purpose is to raise needed funds for the CGF while allowing golfers to play a great golf course and have fun.

The activities begin Oct. 21 with optional golf at Mid Pines, followed by food and beverage, an auction and entertainment.

The Reunion golf event at Pine Needles on Monday will be followed by an awards luncheon.

Attendees included are Donna Andrews, a six-time LPGA champion; David Eger, a Champions Tour player and two-time CGA champion; Mike Goodes, Champions Tour player and six-time CGA champion; Jerry Haas, former PGA Tour player; John Maginnes, former PGA Tour player; William McGirt, PGA Tour player and three-time CGA champion; Clarence Rose, former PGA Tour player; and Pat McGowan, 1978 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.

To enter or support the CGA, visit the website www.reuniongolftournament.org or call the CGA office at (910) 673-1000.

Information for this article was provided by the Carolinas Golf Association.