Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press
The coronavirus pandemic won’t stop one of the biggest fundraising events of the year from happening at the New Mexico Military Institute.
The ninth annual General’s Cup golf tournament will go on as planned Sept. 18-20 at NMMI Golf Course.
Every year the tournament helps bring in a net of $70,000 for the cadets.
An endowment of $355,845 has been created through the tournament’s fundraising efforts. The endowment helps the NMMI Annual Scholarship Fund provide money to new and old cadets.
Roughly 40 to 45 cadets get some form of financial help through the tournament.
Around $150,000 raised from the tournament was also given to admissions for incentive scholarships.
Of course this year’s tournament will have a few modifications. Due to the current safety and health guidelines, the annual and much anticipated gathering at the general’s house at Quarters One on the first night will not happen.
Last year the tournament helped bring a net around $80,000.
“We’re very excited that we can still plan the event and have it,” said NMMI Superintendent Jerry Grizzle. “Obviously it’ll be a little different than we’ve had in the past.
“It’s really important that this year’s tournament be successful and that everybody helps and sponsors.”
Shotgun starts are not being allowed due to the current guidelines.
The tourney will have staggered starts and a three-person scramble format as the first tee time is at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Players will get a chance to have a practice round the day before the competition begins.
All the food at the tournament will be provided in a grab-and-go format and rotated out every 30 minutes.
Breakfast is going to be provided by Martin’s Capitol Café and lunch is being prepared by Sodexo. Pepper’s Grill and Bar is handling all the beverages for the tournament.
There will be a practice silent auction that begins Friday, Sept. 18 in the First Tee building. The auction will be open throughout the entire tournament giving everyone a chance to bid on the various items.
A total of five different sponsorship packages are available ranging from $250 to $10,000 levels.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It would really hurt if we didn’t get to have it,” Grizzle said. “Every single dollar goes to the cadets.
“It goes right to scholarships, cadet activities, buses — things that the cadets need. It means so much for financial aid.”
Every year an honoree is chosen and this year it will be James Waide, the founder of Waide Construction Inc. in 1974.
Waide and family have been involved in various projects at NMMI such as the renovation of the Cahoon Armory and the JRT/VMV Hall.
James’ son, Craig, who is the vice president of the construction company, is a 1984 grad of NMMI’s junior college program.
Since the beginning of the tournament, James has been a faithful sponsor.
“They’re just an incredible family. They’ve been there as big donors, contributors,” Grizzle said about the Waide family. “So it’s an honor for us to recognize them this year as our honoree.”
To register for the tournament, pay online or to find out more info, visit https://www.nmmi.edu/alumni/generals-cup/.