As Pacers play-by-play announcer Chris Denari addressed the room of over 100 at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course on Thursday morning, he explained why the Pacers Foundation Golf Outing presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller is always a date circled on his calendar.
"This really is the tip-off for the new year for the Indiana Pacers," Denari said. "And there is no question that we feel that today."
The all-day event was made possible by the assistance of dozens of volunteers from Pacers Sports & Entertainment, generous donations from sponsors, and Pacers players who came out to show their support.
Photo Gallery: Scenes from the Golf Outing »
"There is nothing like the Pacers Foundation Golf Tournament," said Pacers Director of Corporate Communications Eddie White. "Everybody is here, from Larry Bird on down. The rookies are here, coach Vogel is here, and the sponsors. And we got this great weather. It's all about raising money for the foundation to give back to the city of Indianapolis."
The event raised money for the Pacers Foundation in several ways, including an auction for various Pacers-related items and experiences. From a dinner with Frank Vogel and his coaching staff, to court-side seats for the games in which the Pacers will be sporting their Hickory jerseys.
In addition to the auction, the teams that hit the course played a game of scramble, with chances to earn more prizes along the way for things like longest drive, or closest to the pin.
Shayne Whittington was one of the few Pacers who actually tried his hand on the course. "I just try to hit 'em straight," Whittington said, "I'm just out here trying to have fun today."
Pacers head coach Frank Vogel was equally unsure of his golfing prowess.
"Very un-confident on the golf course," Vogel joked. "I do love to play golf, but I don't commit a whole lot of time to it."
As the players finished their rounds, they took place in a putting competition, where the final was officiated by All-Star Paul George. PG considers himself more of a fisher than a golfer, but assisted the finalists in finding a good line for their shots.
By the end of the day, a significant sum had been raised for the Pacers Foundation, which donates to many charities around Indiana with the goal of bettering the lives of young people.
"This is my favorite event," said Eddie White, "To see everybody coming together for the common good of Indianapolis and the people who need help. You can't get a better day than this."