Third annual Jimmy Hart Invitational this Saturday

Greg Hart (right), pictured here with Otter Creek Director of Golf Taylor declrecq, will be looking to find the green at the Third Annual Jimmy Hart Invitational tournament, teeing off Saturday, August 8th at 2 p.m. in Otterville. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

Jimmy Hart’s golf game typically followed one of two trajectories.

“He was either crazy drives straight down the fairway or being angry,” smiled his son Greg. “And I think that’s everyone who plays golf.”

Whether soaring or ‘teed off’, his dad never did take the game too seriously, Greg continued, an approach he will again be carrying into the Third Annual Jimmy Hart Invitational, a fund-raising tournament in honour of his late father.

The Saturday, Aug. 8th event does respect Jimmy’s mixed enjoyment of the game in conjunction with Greg’s sideline business involving golf-related apparel and gifts, but moreso says his son to his father’s lifelong affinity for minor baseball.

“I think the first thing was, the amount of time he spent with Tillsonburg Minor Baseball, working in the community. That’s what kind of got this whole thing started in my head.”

An event which celebrated its inauguration at Tamarack and shifted to Oxford Hills is transitioning to the Otter Creek Golf Club this year.

“(Otter Creek Director of Golf) Taylor (declrecq) really came through for us,” credited Greg.

A field of around 120 golfers (there may be a late spot or two still available by emailing jimmyinvitational23@gmail.com) is scheduled to tee off at 2 p.m.

There are ‘tons of prizes’ says Hart, as well as recognition for first, second and third place, the longest drive, closest to the pin, most accurate and best dressed, a tongue-in-cheek term.

“We have anything but golf apparel going on,” said Greg, noting year one honours went to a pair of teams who dressed as KISS, in respect for Jimmy’s affinity for the rock band.

“Face paint, wigs and everything,” Greg laughed.

The Hart family, Greg, his mom Cathy, sisters Hillary and Melanie and wife Kristen share a majority of organizational duties. A lengthy list of sponsors supports the event including Future Transfer where Jimmy worked and his brother Rick’s company. Cost per golfer is $150, $600 per team, with ranks featuring friends, family members, a strong contingent of Oxford Hills Hillbillies and former Tillsonburg Red Sox teammates.

“Old Sox now, Greg smiled.

The tournament donated $5,000 to Tillsonburg minor ball in each of its first two years, and will be again says Greg, bringing its running total to $15,000. In discussion with family members around broadening its scope, an effort to expand the tournament and its supportive potential is being considered, along with an additional donation for members of the community facing physical or medical challenges, on a rotating basis.

“But always back into the community to people who need it the most.”

In conclusion, a tournament in his name and its ongoing impact are a constructive way for Greg and family to pay tribute to a man they lost too soon.

“He really did treat everyone the same, regardless of money or your background,” Greg concluded, adding a final invitation to the ‘Invitational.’ “Come out and golf, have a few drinks, some fun and know the money is going to a good cause.”