Local golfers join in breast cancer battle

Local golfers can improve their games while aiding in the battle against breast cancer this Halloween.

Haven pro Marvol Barnard, billed as the “Princess of Darkness” for this “chillingly fun” event, as she put it, announced that the second annual Haven Halloween Extravaganza, in conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Rally for a Cure Foundation, will get started at noon on Oct. 31 with clinics, contests, demonstrations, lots of drawings and prizes, and half priced “famous Haven Bloody Mary’s” — bloody good, Barnard promises.

The $25 entry fee includes the “terrifyingly terrific” clinic, a “chain rattling” Pilates Fore Golf demonstration, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to help you conquer your “darkest fears” on the course, and a “horrifyingly fun” team putting contest, she said.

There will also be some “scary” discounts at the pro shop, but most importantly, with several local golf instructors on hand to help you, it’s a chance to improve your skills while contributing to a worthy cause.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has established itself as a global leader in helping to find a breast cancer cure, with more than $1 billion raised since its inception in 1982 after Komen waged a courageous but losing battle with the disease.

It is the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer in the world, according to its web site.

Breast cancer accounts for 75 percent of deaths from cancer among women age 55 and over.

The Rally for the Cure program that supports the promise of Susan G. Komen for the Cure includes events like this one throughout the golfing community worldwide.

Rally events have raised $45 million since 1996, according to www.rallyforthecure.com.

You can reserve a spot by calling 591-1475 or emailing her at seagolfpro@juno.com, said Barnard, an LPGA and PGA Class-A professional instructor, who asks that golfers arrive by 11:30 a.m. for registration.

“Keep your fingers crossed for some ‘boo-tiful’ weather,” she said.

Mike Touzeau is a freelance writer for the Green Valley News.