Fore! Almond Leadership Program Members Plan Golf Tournament

Almond industry members who enjoy golf are invited to tee it up again this year as part of an effort to support students who intend to pursue careers in agriculture. The Almond Board of California’s Almond Leadership Program (ALP) Class of 2023 will host its fifth annual golf tournament May 4 at Dragonfly Golf Course in Madera.  

Money raised from the event will be donated to the California FFA Foundation and awarded in the form of scholarships to FFA members, a cause hits home with tournament co-chair Darryl Hadlich. “Being an FFA alumni and an American FFA Degree recipient, it means everything to me to be able to help this organization,” he said.

The cost is $700 per foursome. That includes golf fees and cart as well as breakfast and lunch. There will be prizes for best score in the scramble format, long drive and closest to the pin. Registration and breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. There are also sponsorship opportunities ranging from $250 to $2,350 that include a foursome as well as advertising as part of event promotions. 

“This event is important because the students who benefit from the scholarships are important,” said Rebecca Bailey, specialist in industry relations for the Almond Board. “These current ag students are the future leaders of the California ag industry and within their local communities. College is expensive, so being able to support students as they pursue higher education will help to ease financial and stress-related burdens.” 

The goal of the event is to raise $15,000 from the tournament, which is one of two major fundraising efforts organized each year by the members of the Almond Leadership Program. The second is a silent auction conducted during the annual Almond Conference in December.  

“I was once one of those kids wearing that blue corduroy jacket and I fully understand what this money can do to help the organization's education efforts,” Hadlich added. “It'll be a great day full of food, sunshine and golf; all while supporting the future of the agriculture industry. What more can you ask for?” 

The leadership program seeks to engage members of the almond community in creating a culture of lifelong leadership development, networking, education and service.  

To see a flyer with information about the tournament, click here. To register, please fill out this entry form. Questions should be sent to event co-chairs Darryl Hadlich at dhadlich@wiseconn.com or Vance Millwee at vance@treehousealmonds.com.