In 2014, a special golf tournament was established in an effort to raise money for veterans and their families.
For the third consecutive year, the Robert ‘Bob’ Mims Miss-Lou Patriotic golf tournament is set to tee off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9th at Duncan Park Golf Course. The tournament is for the Home with Heroes for the Miss-Lou and is in honor of World War II veteran Robert ‘Bob’ Mims, who was captured by the Germans and taken as a prisoner of war.
“The great thing about this tournament is it’s the only tournament in the Miss-Lou that raises money for our veterans and their families,” tournament director Mark LaFrancis said.
The tournament format is a four-person scramble, and LaFrancis said 11 teams have already signed up and he expects another 11 to sign on.
“We anticipate a full field and a wonderful amount of revenue,” LaFrancis said.
LaFrancis added a number of prizes can be won at the event, including two vehicles up for grabs if a contestant notches a hole-in-one on hole No. 13. The other way to drive away in a new car is to win a shootout on hole No. 2 to close out the day.
“We will have an auction with awesome items, door prizes, morning refreshments and lunch, as well as many other features,” LaFrancis said. “And, of course, the whole course will be filled with Old Glory.”
LaFrancis also said golfers will be afforded a real treat as Mims will be on the course to mingle with the participants.
“He has come out the last two years and met and greeted the golfers,” LaFrancis said. “He receives hugs, handshakes and thank yous, but he also gives them back because he is a humble man.”
LaFrancis, a veteran himself, said all the tournament proceeds will go toward the Home with Heroes foundation.
“The tournament is for veterans and non-veterans and is open to the public, golfers or fun golfers,” LaFrancis said. “Everybody is welcome, Old Glory will be flying all over the golf course.”
For more information or to get involved, contact Duncan Park Golf Course at 601-442-5955, LaFrancis at 601-442-0980 or download a registration form at homewithheroes.org.