Lakewood Ranch golf classic draws 100 golfers for LWRCA

More than 100 golfers competed Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Calusa Country Club for the second annual Communi-Tee Golf Classic, a sold out fundraiser for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

The nonprofit, known as LWRCA, organizes more than 600 community events and supports more than 60 resident-led clubs each year. Danielle Bugel, LWRCA's marketing manager, said the tournament began last year to mark the organization's 25th anniversary in Lakewood Ranch. Proceeds help fund the group's parks and recreation programming, community events and resident-led clubs, Bugel told SRQ Daily.

Teams Competed in Best-Ball Scramble Format

Teams of four competed in a best-ball scramble format open to all skill levels. On-course contests included longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one challenges.

First-place finishers took home medals and a free foursome to return to Calusa. Second-place winners each received $50 in pro-shop credit. Third-place finishers each earned a $25 gift card to GROVE in Lakewood Ranch.

Field Grew From 120 Golfers to 124

The inaugural tournament in 2025 drew 120 golfers, and organizers capped this year's field at 124, according to a Your Observer preview published Sept. 1. That first event produced a memorable moment for Esplanade resident Robert Carolla, a golfer of more than 40 years who scored his first-ever hole-in-one. "I honestly never thought I would actually get one," Carolla said in the September preview. "It is one of the very special moments in my life."

Club Features Two Courses by Gordon Lewis

Calusa Country Club, at 5667 Calusa Golf Blvd., is a Lennar-built community that opened in early 2025. The club features two courses designed by architect Gordon Lewis: an 18-hole championship layout and a 12-hole auxiliary course.

Local businesses sponsored individual holes, setting up tables where golfers could interact with them during play.

LWRCA Plans to Continue Event Annually

LWRCA's signature events include the Community Campout, Health and Wellness Expo, Irish Celtic Festival, Eggstravaganza and Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament. Bugel said in a Sept. 1 preview that the organization plans to hold the golf classic annually.

Upcoming LWRCA event