Frank Mackel*, Dave Lagarde and Ronnie Benandi, had a sincere desire to give the amateur golfers of the New Orleans region a premier competition where friends could come together with a mutual love of the game. Frank Mackel said, “The Championship we have established for the golfers of Metro New Orleans is vital to the growth of our game. We are committed to building more than a great championship, we have a vision where friendships will be made, forever renewed and forever lasting.” The Men’s Metropolitan Amateur Championship was played in 1993 at City Park.

 

To continue this legacy, this year we are most fortunate to have the Fore!Kids Foundation (FKF) as our presenting sponsor.  Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children’s service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, The Holiday Auction Fore!Kids and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $37 million to date for children’s charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at ForeKidsFoundation.com. The Tour considers FKF as one of the premier Host Organizations in the count.

 

Frank Mackel was an integral part of the PGA Tour event and Fore!Kids. He was the head golf professional at Lakewood Country Club, the then home of the Tour event, from the year 1975 through 1988, and, was the greatest ambassador for golf in our city at that critical time. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of FKF in 1995 when Davis Love III won the event at English Turn. 

 

Frank was a critical asset for FKF in keeping the PGA Tour in our city through several title sponsor transitions from 1975 until his passing in 2001. Some of his network and logistical expertise remain evident in FKF and the golf community currently.

We are blessed to have Fore!Kids Foundation involved with The Mackel. As with prior tournaments, proceeds from the event will help fund college scholarships, based on community service and academic excellence, for the recipients.