Bob Whitley Memorial Golf Tournament
2024 Tourism Cares Golf Tournament to Benefit the Bob Whitley Memorial Fund
Monday, Dec 9, 2024 | 7:00 a.m. | Hammock Bay, Marco Island
About the Tournament: The Tourism Cares Golf Tournament to benefit the Bob Whitley Memorial Fund is an opportunity for USTOA attendees to come together - and have some fun - to support the future of travel. Proceeds from the tournament will not only help to fund programs that promote responsible tourism and impact destination communities directly, it will also serve as a tribute to Bob Whitley, long-time USTOA President and founding Board Member of Tourism Cares. Our day on the course will recognize his contributions to the tourism industry, allowing USTOA members to honor his legacy and contribute to the continuation of his work in a meaningful way.
About the Course: Audubon Gold Certified Sanctuary Golf Course Hammock Bay is recognized as a "Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary" by Audubon International, one of just 45 designated communities in the world. The gold certification is the highest level of the Audubon Signature Programs, recognizing sustainable communities within the natural environment.
Pricing + Participation:
$450 per golfer / $1700 foursome. Includes r/t transportation from the host hotel and breakfast.
Club rentals are available for $90 (including tax) and can be reserved when registering.
Schedule:
7:00 a.m.: Shuttle + transfer
7:30 a.m.: Breakfast
8:30 a.m.: Shot gun start
Dress Code:
No jeans, short-shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, T-shirts, gym shorts, or jogging suits
Those wearing slacks or mid-length shorts should wear a collared shirt at all times
Soft spikes are mandatory; playing gold in bare feet, sandals, open-toed or elevated heel-type shoes is not permitted. Tennis or athletic shoes are permitted.
If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament, please contact Carrie Hodgen at carrie.hodgen@tourismcares.org
Sustainability Commitment
We’re dedicated to advancing our industry in ways that matter. In line with our mission, we aim to minimize any negative impact from our in-person programs. Here are a few of our initiatives to foster a more sustainable event:
Venue Choice: We recognize that golf courses can pose sustainability challenges to the local ecosystem. The Hammock Bay Golf Course has earned the “Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary” status from Audubon International and we value their efforts to mitigate impacts on the natural habitat.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics: We’ve worked closely with the golf course to minimize single-use plastic, reducing plastic wherever possible.
Food Waste Reduction: Collaborating with the venue, we strive to accurately gauge food needs to reduce excess and minimize food waste. Any leftover good from our event will be available to staff.
Signage: Where possible, we’re using digital signage. Course sign signs will be reused by Tourism Cares staff, extending their life beyond this event.
Carbon Offsetting: We offset all staff travel and accommodations through Sustainable Travel International, reducing the environmental footprint of our event.
Thank you to our sponsors
SPOTLIGHT: THE PEOPLE + PLACES OF TOURISM CARES
Georgia Street Community Collective (GSCC) | Tourism Cares with Detroit 2017
A partner site during our Meaningful Travel Summit event in 2017, GSCC turned an empty lot in Detroit to what is is now the home of the Georgia Street Community Gardens. The Collective serves to revitalize the neighborhood, using the garden and education programs to mentor area youth and attract new business to the area.