by: Rebecca Virgin
--raptors.com
Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Look at the photos

Darrick Martin admires the tee shot at the Toronto Raptors Charity Golf Classic. (Rebecca Virgin/raptors.com)

(Toronto) – There may not have been any hole in ones Tuesday, but plenty of good drives, chips and putts added up for a great score and great support for the Raptors Foundation.

The rain clouds threatened to soak golfers, but the sun stuck around long enough for all 18 holes to be played at Angus Glen Golf Club, site of this year’s Toronto Raptors Charity Golf Classic in support of the Raptors Foundation, supporting programs for youth at risk.

“True golfers can play in any weather, so if it was raining I would still be out here enjoying being out on the course and playing for charity,” said Raptors point guard Darrick Martin. “We came out for a charity and have a chance to meet people – I think that’s one of the best parts about playing basketball and the career that I’ve had. I’ve had an opportunity to meet a lot of people and it’s enjoyable.”

Martin was on hand with teammate Joey Graham and all of his coaches for a round of golf, playing with foursomes of fans and sponsors of the team. It’s not everyday that people get a chance to hang out with NBA players, plus the coach and executive of the year.

"It's gratifying to see and it’s great to be part of an event that raises money for the kids,” said the Executive of the Year, Bryan Colangelo. “All the things that the foundation does speaks volumes of what our mantra is - to be leaders in the community so it fits right in and it’s a pleasure to be a part of.”

With the Raptor celebrities on hand, good weather, and a great cause, there one other notable feature for this year’s golf classic – Angus Glen is preparing to host the Canadian Open in a months time, so it was in top form. The golfers may not have been in “professional” form, but the course was.

“The more that we can help out, the more we can give back to these organizations and charities, the better it is,” said Joey Graham. “As a player, I think that we should spend more time doing charity events like this. It’s a chance for us to hang out with some of the fans and some of the sponsors, and play golf – one of the things that I love to do.”