ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. – Unlike his peers who coach outdoor sports, Bruce Pearl has never had to navigate a weather delay until Monday's soggy start to his ninth Fore the Children Golf Classic.
"That's one of the great things about coaching basketball," Pearl said at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. "I've never been involved in a rain delay. We play rain or shine in basketball."
Sold out each year since Pearl's arrival at Auburn in 2014, the event benefits Children's Harbor, which provides no-cost services to children facing health challenges, and their families.
"A very special place for children and for families," Pearl said. "They use this amazing facility for families to have regular vacations, just like other kids and families get to have."
With support from sponsors and participants, Fore the Children has raised more than $1.25 million, Pearl said.
"We do it together," he said. "This is because of the support we get from the Auburn community and our fan base that allows us to do these things. We've gotten a lot accomplished and look forward to doing much more."
'A great opportunity': Bryan Harsin and Bruce Pearl at the ninth Fore the Children Golf Classic
Auburn coach Bryan Harsin and athletic director Allen Greene also participated in Fore the Children.
"Great event," Harsin said. "Doing things with Bruce, it's always enjoyable. This was a great opportunity to come out here and support this."
"I'm very appreciative of their support," Pearl said.
Pearl shook off any jet lag, having arrived Sunday from a trip to Israel, where he'll return with his team in August for preseason exhibitions along with a tour of biblical sites.
Perhaps inspired by the Holy Land visit, Pearl used a scriptural reference to describe the 2022-23 Auburn Tigers.
"I feel a little bit like Noah," said Pearl, describing Auburn's 12 scholarship student-athletes. "I've got two of everything at every position. I think we will be young again, a mixture of some veterans coming back. Some of these young guys definitely have an opportunity to contribute."
Director of Athletics Allen Greene (second from left) at Willow Point
Just back from 🇮🇱, @coachbrucepearl recaps the first of his two summer trips to the Holy Land.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) May 23, 2022
In August, he'll go back with @AuburnMBB
BP, this morning at his Fore the Children ⛳️ classic. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/kN4jqusXFy
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer