July 28, 2009

The third annual Gino Turchi & Family Golf Classic will take place Thursday, September 24 at Eagle Crest Golf Club on route 146 in Clifton Park. All proceeds from the Classic will be added to the Turchi Family Athletic Fund at Siena College. The exclusive event is limited to ensure a steady pace of play. Foursomes are priced at $900 ($225 per person) and can be reserved by contacting Siena athletics at 518-783-2530. Please ask if you qualify for the discounted price of $200 per person.

The event begins with a shotgun tee-off at 9:00 a.m.. Participants will play their own ball using a best two-of-four-ball format. The entry fee includes: greens fees and cart, on course beverages, lunch, a memento, and a homestyle buffet dinner. Those wishing to only attend the dinner may reserve a spot for $50 by calling 518-783-2530.

Prizes will be awarded for the top foursomes. Last year's prizes included: Four New York Jets vs. Bills tickets, four Preakness Stakes tickets, foursomes of golf at Normanside Country Club, Van Patten Golf Club, The Edison Club, Albany Country Club and Shaker Ridge Country Club as well as credit to the Eagle Crest Pro Shop.

Gino Turchi, now 92 years old, is known throughout the Capital Region for his philanthropic commitment to several area organizations. The Turchi Family Athletic Fund was created in the memory of Gino's late son Gigi who died of Cancer in 1993. Turchi, who built Northway Heights (now Eagle Crest) Golf Club with a bulldozer and one laborer, was presented with an honorary degree at Siena's 2005 commencement ceremony. The street that leads to Siena's athletic facilities bears his name as does the Theater used by Siena's athletic teams for film review and meetings.