University of Massachusets Athletics
Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic Set For Aug. 29-30 At The Orchards Golf Club In South Hadley
 |  Julius Erving and many celebrities will be in Western Massachusetts for the first annual Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic on Aug. 29-30, at the Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Mass. |
July 12, 2004
Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic Registration Form
Download Free Acrobat Reader
AMHERST, Mass. - Julius Erving and the University of Massachusetts Athletic Department have announced the inception of the First Annual Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic to benefit the Jack Leaman Legacy Fund. It will take place August 29-30, at the prestigious Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Mass., which recently played host to the 2004 U.S. Women's Open.
"Two of the true passions of the late Jack Leaman were basketball and golf," said Erving. "Whether teaching the games or playing them, Jack always displayed high standards of excellence and competitive drive. We hope to measure up to those standards with the Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic."
The Classic will include a cocktail reception and auction on Sunday evening, August 29, at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. On Monday, August 30, participants will be matched with a celebrity to play 18 holes of golf at the Orchards. Afterwards, participants will be invited to join Erving and friends for lunch.
All monies raised will benefit the Jack Leaman Legacy Fund, which was set up to provide scholarships to student-athletes wishing to pursue an elite education and competitive athletic experience at the University of Massachusetts.
"We are driven to achieve the best for the Leaman Legacy Fund and also provide Western Massachusetts with an event that is special to me and the University family," said Erving. To play golf and raise funds in my college coach's memory is both an honor and a privilege that touches me very deeply. Please accept my humble thanks for the community's support and the generosity of our celebrities."
Currently joining Erving for the event are Bill Russell, Clyde Drexler, Moses Malone and Stedman Graham. More names of celebrities who will be participating in the event will be released at a later time.
In its first year, the Jack Leaman Legacy Fund was created in memory of the legendary coach, color commentator and fellow UMass Hall of Famer Jack Leaman. Leaman passed away on March 6, 2004. At the time of his passing, Erving established the Golf Classic to help fund the Legacy Endowment and to carry on Jack's heart, soul and passion for the University of Massachusetts and its Athletic Department.
When Julius Erving was a freshman at the University of Massachusetts, he single-handedly drew capacity crowds so frenzied to see him play that lines would circle the Curry Hicks Cage hours before tip-off. It was clear that a legend was being born. Erving became one of only six players in NCAA history to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds a game. It was during his UMass days, that Erving earned the nickname that he is known by around the globe-"Dr. J."
Erving currently serves on the Jack Leaman Legacy Fund committee and is the founder/director of the Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic.
Recognized as one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the Northeast, The Orchards was designed by America's all-time favorite golf architect Donald Ross. The Orchards, which is on the campus of Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., recently played host to the 2004 U.S. Women's Open before record crowds.
For sponsorship information, please contact Tamra Geryk in the Athletic Marketing Office at 413-545-9596.
To register or for more information, please contact Jason Germain in the Athletic Development Office at 413-577-0267.
Golf/Hospitality Prices:
Champion's Package
Golf
Three (3) playing positions in the Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic, breakfast and lunch for three (3) with Julius and friends.
Hospitality
Six (6) invitations to the cocktail reception and silent auction.
Investment: $1,500 Investment including hole sponsorship: $1,700
Slam Dunk Package
Golf
One (1) playing positions in the Julius Erving Celebrity Golf Classic, breakfast and lunch for one (1) with Julius and friends.
Hospitality:
Two (2) invitations to the cocktail reception and silent auction.
Investment: $600
Hole Sponsorship: $350