ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. More commonly know as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the famous baseball player who lost his life to ALS, this disease slowly robs those affected of the ability to walk, speak, and breathe.
In 2002, Amelia Island resident Mark O’Day lost his father, John Louis O’Day, to ALS after a 4 year battle, leaving behind his wife, Ardith, 4 children, and 12 grandchildren, as well as extended family and many friends.
In memory of his father, Mark started a yearly golf tournament to raise money for the ALS Association Florida Chapter. “The outpouring of support from the community over the past 18 years has been overwhelming as we continue to fight for a cure and raise awareness of this devastating disease,” says Mark.
This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, August 4 at Long Point Amelia Island at The Amelia Island Club (The Amelia River Club was mistakenly listed in our July print issue). A Tom Fazio award-winning design, Long Point’s character is shaped by natural waste bunkers, spectacular marshlands, mounded fairways, and true putting Tif Eagle® greens. “We are thrilled to be back at Long Point Golf Club this year, our home course for this annual event! Our participants are eager to experience this exclusive course following its renovation which was just completed in April,” says Mark.
For more information, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, please call Mark O’Day at (904) 553-0576, email odaym25@aol.com, or visit ALSgolfamelia.com.