Patty Berg Pro-Am raises $29,000 for college scholarships

The 45th Annual Patty Berg Pro-Am Golf Tournament, held at Cypress Lake Golf Club, raised $29,000 to support scholarship programs for young golfers in Southwest Florida.

This year’s tournament attracted a sold-out field of 72 members and 24 professional golfers to Cypress Lake Golf Club, a pristine private course in Fort Myers that offers subtle contours of the land, distinctive natural features and plentiful wildlife.

Proceeds from the Patty Berg Pro-Am support the Patty Berg Scholarship Program through the Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association, which provides well-rounded youth golfers with college scholarships. Recipients must be SWFJGA members for at least three years and display good sportsmanship, a positive attitude, citizenship and competitive courage.

“The Patty Berg Pro-Am is a great way our members and sponsors can come together and give back to the local community,” said Jon Pazdera, the club’s director of golf. “Golf clubs across Southwest Florida host a variety of fundraising events, but the Pro-Am has a different feel because of its long history and impact on the sport.”

Berg, a Hall of Game golfer who is credited for opening doors for female golfers across the world, was a founding member of Cypress Lake Golf Club in 1959 and continued her membership until she passed away in 2006. During her illustrious professional career, Berg won 60 championships on the LPGA Tour and her 15 major titles is the most among all female golfers.

Today, Cypress Lake Golf Club is home to the world’s largest collection of Berg’s artifacts and memorabilia after the golfer permanently loaned a collection of her trophies, medals, plaques, photos and other historic relics. In 2021, the club dedicated a three-dimensional “Pop Art” assemblage based on rediscovered artwork from illustrator Anthony Ravielli to celebrate Berg’s achievements on and off the golf course.

“Patty Berg meant so much to golf worldwide, but especially here in Southwest Florida, where she donated her time and resources to help youth golfers improve their game,” said Ed Rodgers, general manager of Cypress Lake Golf Club. “The Pro-Am and other fundraising events are our way of continuing her legacy of improving the sport for the next generation of golfers.”

Hole-in-One sponsors for the Patty Berg Pro-Am included Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida, FineMark National Bank & Trust and “In Memory of John Schramm.” Eagle sponsors included Winged Foot Title, Bushwood Tree Co., Pinestraw of South Florida and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

In July, Cypress Lake Golf Club will host the Patty Berg Championship, one of PGA South Florida Section’s eight junior major events hosted in partnership with the Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association.

About Cypress Lake Golf Club

Located at 6767 Winkler Rd. in Fort Myers, Cypress Lake Golf Club is Fort Myers’ oldest and most historic private golf club, boasting three PGA Hall of Fame golfers (Patty Berg, Gene Sarazen and Herb Graffis) as founding members. Founded in 1959, the award-winning Cypress Lake Golf Club is one of the few golf courses in Southwest Florida where walking is encouraged all year long, a feature that perfectly complements the unparalleled beauty of the course. Members enjoy access to golf and tennis, a fully stocked golf pro shop as well as social and dining experiences at the clubhouse. For more information, please call 239-481-1333 or visit CypressLakeGC.com.

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