Local golf professional Boo Weekley took over the course at Hidden Creek in Navarre, inviting local players and a few famous friends for a golf tournament this weekend, benefiting several local charities.
Local patches of rain loomed about during the tournament kick off on the first day. The rain stayed at bay for most of the two-day tourney, with a few light sprinkles late Saturday afternoon during a celebrity showdown, according to event coordinators.
Weekley brought star power to the event to play a nine-hole round with the likes of comedian Larry the Cable Guy, Willie Robertson from "Duck Dynasty" and musicians Colt Ford and Jamey Johnson.
The group played an informal round, mainly mingling with a crowd of around 40 spectators that braved the ominous and cloudy afternoon to snag a photograph with their favorite celebrity. Children seemed happy to shake hands with the familiar faces from TV. Adults seemed fairly excited to see the celebrities swing with the professionals.
Ford used to be a professional golfer before entering the music industry as a country-rap artist. He and his teammate Larry the Cable Guy ended up winning the match.
"It's a great golf course," Ford said. "I love it."
Robertson, better known as "Willie" from Duck Dynasty, made a last-minute appearance to play the nine-holes. He popped into the clubhouse the second day to join the group. He said he attended the event last year, as well.
"What town is this, again," questioned Robertson, with a slight chuckle. "Oh yeah, Navarre, it's great."
Dr. John Cloninger competed in the weekend's 216-man shotgun tournament earlier in the day and stuck around to see the celebrities take a couple swings during the informal game.
"It's great they're giving back to charity," Cloninger said. "Boo's bringing it back to town. It's your boys out there."
The entire event benefited many local charities, including the Air Commandos Association, the Santa Rosa Kids House, Vision of Hope and the Christ's Starfish Foundation. Each two-man team paid a $600 registration fee to compete in the tourney. Donations were also accepted, along with a silent auction held on site to raise funds for the charities.
The two-day event ended with an entertainment event featuring Larry the Cable Guy, Colt Ford and Dallas Davidson and The Peach Pickers, Saturday night. Around 2,500 people attended the event Saturday night, according to Hidden Creek General Manager David Taylor. They took the stage under a three-quarter acre, fully air-conditioned tent on the golf course grounds.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Boo brings it back home, charity tourney attracts celebs