Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic
Tournament Brochure Available by Clicking HERE.
The University of North Florida Department of Athletics announced that the annual Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic will be held on Monday, March 29, at Deerwood Country Club.
The Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic serves as one of the primary annual fundraising events for the UNF Osprey Club. The Osprey Club has generously provided much needed financial support to the growing UNF Athletics program over the past 20-plus years, providing the critically needed “margin of excellence.”
North Florida Athletics competes in 17 men’s and women’s sports at the NCAA Division I level, the highest level of intercollegiate competition. The work of the Osprey Club members is a vitally important component to the UNF Athletic program’s success. Support of the Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic reflects a growing public and corporate involvement in this dynamic UNF program.
There are numerous ways to help support UNF athletics and the Osprey Club as part of the Golf Classic. There are multiple sponsorship packages as well as playing packages. For more information or to be a part of the Golf Classic contact Matt Kilcullen at mkilcull@unf.edu or 904-620-1506.
The day consists of:
10-11:30 a.m. Registration: (each player will receive a Nike gift package of golf shoes, sunglasses and hat). Massage Therapy available.
TIME
Lunch: Provided by Firehouse Subs. Silent auction items in clubhouse.
11:15 a.m.
Long Drive champion Gerry James will give a demonstration on the practice range.
11:30 a.m.
Greeting from Billy Kratzert and Buster Browning
11:40 a.m.
Tournament Rules and Format
Noon
Shotgun start with proximity prizes on every hole with a Hole in One Car provided by Ernie Palmer Toyota. There will be a $10,000.00 putting contest sponsored by Premier Physical Therapy during play.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner/Live Auction/Awards in the Dining Room. Food Provided by Outback Steakhouse
Beverages will be provided on course by Coke, Budweiser and Rollin Rita’s. Swisher International will provide the cigars. Team prizes will be for first, second and third, and a live auction will also take place during dinner.
The tournament’s namesakes, Billy Kratzert and Buster Browning, are both active in the Jacksonville community and loyal supporters of UNF athletics.
Kratzert is a familiar name on the national golf scene. A 1974 graduate of the University of Georgia, he earned All-America honors. Following graduation, he joined the PGA TOUR and competed for 21 years. Kratzert had five PGA TOUR victories and $1.7 million in career earnings. In 1994 he was inducted into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame. Since 1997 he has served as a full-time Golf Commentator, and a member of the ESPN Golf Analyst Team.
“We are very excited for this year’s tournament,” said Kratzert. “We appreciate the support of the UNF alumni and the city of Jacksonville. UN F athletics have already begun to climb to a new and higher level. The success is very exciting and Buster and I are very proud to be a part of this effort through the Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic.”
Dr. Browning has been involved in The Players Championship since it moved to Jacksonville. He is now the doctor for the PGA TOUR in Jacksonville, the physician for the President’s Cup, and consults for other tournaments throughout the nation, including the Tour Championship. He is the past chairman for the Senior Players Championship and the First Tee of Jacksonville. He is also the past president of Deerwood Rotary Club and stays active in many charitable endeavors. He is a former president of the UNF Osprey Club Executive Board. On April 6, 2005, UNF dedicated the Buster Browning Rehab Facility in Hodges Stadium.
“I am honored to be co-hosting this event again with Billy Kratzert,” said Browning. “We firmly believe in the University of North Florida athletics department and the product we are associated with. We are excited about providing the support necessary for our student-athletes to be successful on and off the playing field.”
“The Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic is a vital event for the UNF athletics department as we continue to grow,” said Lee Moon, UNF Director of Athletics. “I would like to thank our committee for all the hard work they have done.”
The Kratzert-Browning committee consists of Lee Moon, Buster Browning, Billy Kratzert, Matt Kilcullen, Brea Kratzert, Jim McCarthy, Jim Barsamian, Brian Carroll, Jim Cotton, Jim Davis, Riley Didion, Jane Freedman, Brian Goin, Mike Graves, Chad Knickerbocker, Chris Kopp, Lisa McFarlane, Sam Mills, Led Morehead, Jim Patrick, Sid Roberson, Steve Stowers and Tony Weight.
To sign up or see the sponsorship and playing packages click on the Kratzert-Browning UNF Golf Classic Brochure.