Oct. 17, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. – The inaugural Bruce, Barkley and Basketball Golf Classic presented by YellaWood will take place Sunday and Monday and will benefit the Auburn men’s basketball program through Tigers Unlimited.
Festivities begin with a pre-tournament celebration at the home of Bruce and Brandy Pearl on Sunday. Charles Barkley and other celebrities will be there to host.
“In our efforts to try to make Auburn Basketball relevant again, we are trying to play better, recruit harder, schedule tougher, but also to make sure folks know that there is great history and tradition in Auburn Basketball,” said Pearl.
“There have been several periods historically where Auburn Basketball was dominant and a nationally-known brand. One of those times was when Charles Barkley, Chuck Person, Chris Morris and Sonny Smith were winning championships and competing in NCAA Tournaments.”
Other major sponsors include the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Auburn Research and Technology Foundation.
The Golf Classic features a 10 am shotgun start with 30 teams playing at Grand National with breakfast from Chick Fil-A and the driving range sponsored by Singleton Marine Group.
“I am 100 percent on the BP (Bruce Pearl) bandwagon, and I am going to do anything I can to help this program be successful again,” said Barkley. “For the first time in a long time, I am excited. It has been a long time since I have been excited, but the thing I have been excited the most about is the guy leading the program.”
Pearl and Barkley will be in attendance posing for group photos with each team while six different vendors will be on the course providing food and beverages.
“We want to recognize one of the most respected, recognized, philanthropic NBA legends, Hall of Famer, for his lifetime achievements,” said Pearl. “Charles’ willingness to lend his support and put his name on this tournament and enable us to generate funds to support Auburn Basketball is something we are grateful for. “Our goal is to make Auburn Basketball relevant as we take this golf tournament and fund-raising event around the state of Alabama. As we celebrate our past, we look forward to our future. War Eagle.”