The 2022 Nittany Golf Classic

The Nittany Golf Classic logo with sponsor

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, the Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter will be holding its inaugural charity golf tournament which will benefit the chapter’s scholarship endowment. We are excited to have Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando, FL, home of past PGA and LPGA events, be the site for our first event!

Event Details

Located just minutes east of downtown Orlando between SR408 and Curry Ford Road, Rio Pinar was host of the Florida Citrus Open that welcomed legends including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Designed by Mark Mahannah and Lloyd Clifton, this challenging 18-hole course incorporates indigenous wetlands and active wildlife that will provide a unique golf experience for all skill levels. Do not miss the opportunity to walk where many of golf’s greatest players competed and join us for the inaugural Nittany Golf Classic.

Course Information

The scholarship endowment funds will be used to help Penn State students who reside in central Florida and attend a Penn State campus. With out-of-state tuition costs continuing to rise, we hope to help aid students who apply and meet the criteria for the award. We look forward to having you be a part of such a worthy cause and help us give local students the opportunity to continue their education with a world-class institution and our Alma Mater, Penn State University!

To learn more about the history of our event including a list of all past tournament, please click on the button below to visit our main golf page.

CentralFloridaPSU.com/Golf

Want to Play? Register Today!

Registration Fee

We are excited that you are interested in playing in our event. The cost for registering to play as an individual golfer is $125 or for registering to play as a team of 4 is $400 (20% savings). If you need your own cart, the fee will be $15. There are limited number of extra carts available, so please only select that option if you must have your own cart. We recommend that you sit with someone you are comfortable with and leave carts to those who absolutely need it. Payments may be made by registering here online or by including it with your registration form by mail. Checks can be made payable to: Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter

What Is and Is Not Included in the Fee

Each Golfer Will Receive

  • Golf and team cart
  • Goodie bag with a raffle item
  • Lunch with beverages
  • Drink tickets for beer for those ages 21 and older or non-alcoholic beverages


 

Items Not Included in the Registration Fee

  • Entry into all hole-in-one competitions – See SuperTicket
  • Entry into all on-course competitions – See SuperTicket
  • INDIVIDUAL CARTS (+$15)
  • Ball Launcher Attempts
  • Non-drink ticket beverages
  • Guest Lunches
  • Auction Items
  • Other Raffles

All tournament fees and guest lunches must be paid prior to the deadline. No transactions will be made in the clubhouse. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or contact one of the committee members found on the registration form.

Registering Multiple Golfers

For those playing in a group, please indicate which golfers you are paying for as well as which golfers will be playing on your team. If you do not have a team, we will place you on a team. If your prefer, we will also try to match you with someone of your skill set. Just let us know your handicap or your average score at the time of registration.

Deadline to Enter

In order to guarantee your spot on the list of golfers, we ask that each golfer pay by the entry deadline on Sunday, January 23, 2022. If the deadline has passed, please contact one of the golf committee members to determine if a spot is available.

Registration and Payments on Day of Event

Because of COVID-19, we will be limiting the number of payments made at check-in to reduce long lines and to adhere social distancing guidelines. We do understand that some may have circumstances preventing them from paying prior to the event. If you believe you fall into that category, please contact us at [email protected] or call one of our golf committee members found on the registration form.

The SuperTicket is a ticket that comprises of entry into several competitions and contests for the day including hole-in-one, longest drive, closest to the pin, the “PUTTerno” Challenge and the “Chip and Rip Engle” Challenge. The ticket also includes two (2) mulligans to be used on any shot except for the hole-in-one contests. In addition to all of these contests, you may also have the opportunity to be the one lucky golfer who will take a shot at ONE MILLION DOLLARS! This ticket, however, WILL NOT include the ball launcher contest. You can buy the Super Ticket individually or save by purchasing the tickets as a team.

Sponsors and Donations

One great thing about Penn Staters is their generosity especially for those in need. Not only will your monetary donations help our fundraising efforts, but it also enhances the experience for our golfers. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, select one of the sponsorship options from our Premium Sponsorship and our Basic Sponsorship options. We do encourage any sponsors provide us with a goodie bag item (promotional item and/or business coupons) to help in promoting your business.

When You Arrive

You may choose to drop your golf bag off at the bag drop or park and bring it up. Please report to the check-in tent. At that time, the hole number you will begin on will be provided to you. Goodie bags will either be provided to you once we confirm your presence or will be waiting for you at your cart with your cart sheet. For those who made alternative arrangements to pay, please follow the instructions provided to you by one of our golf committee members. Acceptable forms of payment are cash (via group leader), credit cards (via PayPal) and checks made payable to Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter (via group leader or sent by mail).

Purchasing Additional Mulligans

A mulligan is simply a do-over of a shot. It can be used at any time on the course and may be transferable to other players within your group. Mulligans can be purchased at the course or online at one (1) for $10 and three (3) for $20. There is no maximum for the number of mulligans that can be purchased as it helps us raise funds for charity.

Practice Facilities

Once checked in, you are welcome to warm up at the onsite practice facility. You will find a putting green, an area to practice chipping and sand shots, and also a driving range. We need all golfers to return to their carts 20 minutes prior to the shotgun start.

Announcements

We expect to start announcements including rules for the golf event and competitions to begin 15 minutes prior to the shotgun start. At times, there may be changes to some of the rules, course conditions and other facilities that the course management will need to discuss with our attendees. To ensure that we start on time, please make sure that each golfer is at their cart at this time.

Shotgun Start

Following announcements, we expect that all groups will be escorted to their respective holes at about 5-10 minutes prior to shotgun start. Once groups arrive to their respective holes, group A will tee off first followed by group B (if one exists). All of the men will be playing from the blue or white tees (or as discussed during announcements), and all of the women will be playing the red tees. Players who have had a professional status within the last 5 years must tee-off from the professional tees (i.e. tips or back-most tees). Please maintain pace of play out of respect to the golfers behind you and to ensure completion of the round in a reasonable amount of time.

Scoring

Each cart will have a golf score card with a cart sheet. Instructions will be placed on the cart sheet and must be followed unless otherwise discussed during the announcements. The maximum score for each hole is one-over par (+1) or a bogey. Thus, if no players on a team are able to complete a shot for par, then all players on their team must pick up their ball and entering a score of one-over for that hole. In other words the maximum is a score of 4 on a par 3, a score of 5 on a par 4 and a score of 6 on a par 5. Following the round, each card must be turned in for the score to count. The tie-breaker for each hole will begin with the lowest handicap holes (or most difficult) starting with a handicap of one (1).

Using your Mulligan

A mulligan is simply a do-over of a shot. It can be used at any time on the course and may be transferable to other players within your group. Mark on your card whose mulligan was used when used so that you keep track of how many are left.

A golfer may play a “provisional mulligan” if the golfer believes the ball might have gone out of bounds but is unsure whether the ball lies out of bounds. If the original shot is found to be in bounds, the golfer then has the choice to either play it as it lies or use the provisional mulligan as their shot. If the original shot is then played, the provisional mulligan is then not used and the mulligan can be used for a future do-over. If a provisional mulligan is used, then one of the mulligans purchased expires and should be marked on the score card. The purpose of the provisional mulligan is to avoid players and the team from going back to play from the original location which will maintain the pace of play.

Challenges and Contests on Par 3 Holes

Listed below are the contests and challenges we have on our par 3 holes for this year’s event.

Hole-in-One Challenges: These contests will each take place on four of the course’s par 3s. The hole-in-one contests are ONLY for amateur golfers. Those who carry a professional status, or have in the last year, are not permitted to participate in these hole-in-one contests. Entry into the Hole-in-One Challenges is included in the Super Ticket fee. Each participant will take a shot from their respective tees at a distance no shorter than the required distance indicated on the cart sheet and must be part of a group of three or four. Any shots taken inside that distance or golfers who play as an individual or a pair will be nullified from the challenge. If a participant successfully hits a hole-in-one, a form must be completed with the signature of two witnesses. A copy of the golf card will also be required to claim prizes. Mulligans CANNOT be used for any of the hole-in-one challenges. Winners will receive a prize designated for their respective holes from the sponsoring company.

Closest to the Pin Contests: These contests will each take place on a par 3 hole. Entry into the CTP Challenges is included in the Super Ticket fee. Each participant will take a shot from their respective tees with the closest ball to the hole winning the challenge. A participant can win if no one else’s tee shot comes to rest on the green. In this case, the participant must write his/her name on the CTP sheet and write “Off the Green” next to his/her name. If a tee shot comes to rest on the green, it will therefore be closest to the pin ahead of shots on the fringe or rough. All shots afterwards must be on the green. Mulligans can be used for this challenge. If a mulligan is announced and used, the golfer’s first shot is thereby nullified. Winners will each receive a prize.

Challenges and Contests on the Practice Green, Par 4 Holes and Par 5 Holes

Listed below are the contest and challenges we have on our par 4 and par 5 holes for this year’s event.

Ball Launcher (Closest to the Pin): The challenge is located at a select par-4 hole and is operated by Leaderboard of Miami. Entry fee into this contest will be announced at the tournament. If all players on a team buy-in, their team will have a chance at an eagle putt from 10 feet away on that hole. Winner of the contest will win a prize from Leaderboard of Miami.

Longest Drive Contests: These contests will each take place on a par 4 or par 5 hole. Entry into the CTP Challenges is included in the Super Ticket fee. Each participant will take a shot from their respective tees with the longest ball that comes to rest on the fairway becoming the winner. Similar to the CTP contests, longest drive can win with a shot off the fairway (except shots in a hazard or out of bounds) only if no other participant’s shot comes to rest on the fairway. If this is the case, participant can place their name on the LD sheet and next to their name state “Off the Fairway”. Once a shot comes to rest on the fairway, all shots must also be on the fairway in order to be eligible for longest drive. Mulligans can be used for this challenge. If a mulligan is announced and used, the golfer’s first shot is thereby nullified. Winners will each receive a prize.

PUTTerno Challenge

“PUTTerno” Challenge: The challenge is located at the practice facility putting green. Entry into the putting challenge is included in the Super Ticket fee. Each participant will take two putts from a specified distance. Participant with the closest putt to the hole wins. In the event of a tie, the distance from hole on the other shot will determine the winner. If there is still a tie after two shots, then a putt-off will take place. Winner will receive a prize.

Chip to Rip Engle

“Chip to Rip Engle” Challenge: The challenge is located at a select hole. Entry into the putting challenge is included in the Super Ticket fee. Each participant will take a chance to chip a ball into a cornhole board hole. Participants who make their CHIP into the hole will get the chance to RIP their drive from an advanced tee box location.

The

The Million Dollar Shot: The Million Dollar Shot will take place following tournament on hole #18 so that all attendees can witness possible history in the making. The distance will be comparable to that of a par-3 hole. The golfer selected will be based on a closest-to-the-pin winner on a select par-3 hole which will be announced at the tournament. It will be a great way to end a great day!

Menu

A BBQ pulled pork lunch with premium sides will be served in Rio Pinar’s newly renovated banquet facility. Beverages will be available including iced tea and other soft drinks.

Beer

Once again, beer will be served to adults ages 21 and older. We will have a limited number of beverages that are part of your registration fee. Tickets may be used to help distribute and track the beverages. Once tickets are depleted, beer and other adult beverages may be purchased by the customer through the course’s food/beverage area.

Guest Lunches

Although we will not be having a typical banquet, family or friends who are not golfing but would like to help us out in our fundraising efforts can purchase a lunch and pick it up following the scramble. The cost per guest lunch is $40 each. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, credit cards and checks made payable to Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter (via group leader or sent by mail).

Guest Speakers

Rich Mauti - Penn State Football ImageThe Central Florida Chapter welcomes Rich Mauti (’77) as the keynote speaker for the inaugural Nittany Golf Classic. Read more on this page about Rich, his career, his accomplishments and his contributions to the community.

Registration Raffle

Each paid registrant will be entered into a registration raffle. The drawing will be conducted either prior to check-in or while the scramble is in progress. Winner may receive their prize following the drawing.

Awards Ceremony

Following any speakers, we will announce the winners of the challenges, contests and the top three teams. Due to the pandemic, our donations, turnout and availability of prizes may be limited. We expect this to change in future events, but we will still award our winners as best we can.

Auction

During lunch, we typically hold a silent auction to help with our fundraising efforts. Items that we receive for our event our donated to us by our sponsors and other local or national businesses. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, credit cards and checks made payable to Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter. We appreciate your generosity.

Countdown to Shotgun

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This event has ended. We look forward to having you join us at a future chapter event. Please visit our calendar or our news and events blog for more information. Thank you for supporting the Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter.

Progress Towards Our Scholarship Endowment

In order to fulfill our commitment for our scholarship endowment, we must raise $50,000. Help us hit 100% for our local Penn Staters! Here is how much we reached by the end of this event. Thank you for your support!

  • 42% 42%

Keynote Speaker: Rich Mauti (’77)

The Central Florida Chapter is proud to welcome Rich Mauti ’77 as our keynote speaker at the 2022 Nittany Golf Classic.

Rich is currently an agent in a commercial/residential Real Estate Company, Mauti Group at GreenStar Realty in Mandeville, La.70471, specializing in commercial, residential and property management. (visit mautigroup.com) Rich is also President of Rich Mauti Enterprises, Inc. providing corporate training and consulting services including public relations, (including radio and television), presentations and motivational speaking for companies such as Shell Oil, Chevron, Entergy Corp, Hilton Hotels, SMG-Superdome, The MCC Group (mechanical contractors), and several community hospitals. For many years he has been a guest lecturer on leadership at Loyola University. In addition, Rich has also been a certified Dale Carnegie trainer in the area of Leadership and Management.

Rich Mauti - Office Picture
Rich Mauti - Penn State Football Image
Rich Mauti - New Orleans Saints Image

Rich played 8 years in the NFL, 7 with the New Orleans Saints and one with the Washington Redskins. Upon graduating with a BS from Penn State in class of 1977 he signed as a “free agent” with the New Orleans Saints. He was a special team “All Pro” in 1979, an NFL “Whizzer White”, man of the year award finalist, for his philanthropic community service. (this award is now called the NFL “Walter Payton” award), and Saints MVP.

Chairman /Founder of The Rich Mauti Cancer Fund a (501 c 3) nonprofit volunteer organization established to raise money and awareness, in our cancer community, through cancer screenings, education for early detection and individual needs. To date the fund has raised over 4 million dollars primarily through memorials, donations and our annual tennis tournament. This year we are celebrating our 40th year as a 501c3 organization (You can make a donation through our website mauticancerfund.org).  Like us on face book at Rich Mauti Tennis Classic.

Rich is married to Nancy, his high school sweetheart; together they have 3 children, Patrick (PSU graduate and on the 2012 Rose bowl team with his younger brother Michael, also a PSU graduate, Rachel (U. of Lafayette, Louisiana, volleyball player. Patrick resides in Tampa, Fl., Rachel and Michael live in Denver, CO. All involved in our cancer fund.

Rich was named “Realtor of The Year” in 2016. Served as a board member of the East Jefferson General Hospital Foundation from 1989 to 2000. During the football season (since 2012), Rich is a TV co-host with Bobby Hebert and Mike Detillier, of “Sports on the Bayou” on HTV-10 out of Houma, Louisiana, covering the Saints, LSU and local high school football. His focus is community involvement and making a positive impact for others less fortunate. I try to leave every situation in a better place than what it was before I got there.

Our Sponsors

360 Financial Firm Logo

2022 Legacy Sponsor

360 Financial Firm‘s purpose is to support their clients in visualizing, building and securing their financial future. They work to understand their client’s financial situation and provides them with only the highest quality services, information and products to support them in reaching their goals.

For more information, you may reach us at:

407.636.6333 or 360FinancialFirm.com

Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. (JWC) Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). 360 Financial Firm, LLC and JWC/JWCA are unaffiliated entities.

Engel & Volkers Logo

Our Real Estate Advisory firm provides a holistic and relationship based approach to meet our client expectations. Our clients entrust our firm to provide solutions for complex challenges, negotiation skills, and our ability to execute on plan. Our firm offers clients a multitude of services to satisfy their needs and solutions via our strategic management and challenge driven perspective. Based in over 1000 locations globally, Engel & Volkers offers both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of services. For more information, visit OrlandoDowntown.EVRealEstate.com.

Radix Hawk Logo

Radix Hawk is an alternative investment and asset management firm, specializing in income-producing and value-add real estate development assets. The firm sources off market real estate projects, secures the asset, performs underwriting analysis and due diligence, and then brings the project to the investor market. For more information, visit RadixHawk.com.

Barry Dombchik

  • 4Rivers
  • Season’s 52
  • Dubsdread Golf Club – Orlando, FL
  • Twin Rivers Golf Club – Oviedo, FL
  • Longhorn Steakhouse
  • Edwin Watts
  • Backyard Burger
  • Mosaic Hair Studio
  • The Whole Enchilada
  • Cariera’s Fresh Italian
  • Seminole Harley Davidson
  • Rusteak
  • Penn State Alumni Association, Central Florida Chapter
  • Penn State Alumni Association

Golf Tournament Sponsorships

Below are two (2) tables outlining the available sponsorship options that the Penn State Alumni Association Central Florida Chapter will be offering for this year’s tournament. Our premium sponsorships will also include registration for your team with a super ticket for each player. We also offer sponsorships for those on a tighter budget but still want to help support us. Please review the information below and let us know how you would like to support our chapter’s golf event. If you would like a downloadable/printable version of this information, click here. Thank you for your consideration and the support of our chapter and our local Penn State students!

Premium Sponsorships (Golf/Sponsor Combo)

Basic Sponsorships

Hole Types

* Regular holes include holes that DO NOT have a competition (ex. longest drive, closest to the pin, hole-in-one, putting contest, etc.) being performed. At Rio Pinar Country Club, those include hole numbers 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15.

** Premium holes include holes that DO have a competition (ex. longest drive, closest to the pin, hole-in-one, putting contest, etc.) being performed. At Rio Pinar Country Club, those include hole numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 12, 16, 17, 18 and the putting competition.

Donation Matching and Other Options

Some of our sponsors want to increase the support for our event by offering a monetary matching option in addition to their sponsorship. We also understand that some businesses and individuals may not have the ability to do a sponsorship at this time, even though they want to help. We have several other ways to help us that you may want to consider listed below. If you would like to add any of these options, please contact our golf committee members by filling out the form below, and we will contact you to discuss the options.

We understand that some businesses and individuals may not have the ability to do a sponsorship at this time, even though they want to help. We have several other ways to help us that you may want to consider.

Donate Item/s for Silent Auction
(typically $50 to $250 in value)

• Gift cards/certificates
• Products/goods including memorabilia
• Services
• Gift Baskets

Donate Item/s for Raffles
(typically $15 to $50 in value)

• Gift cards/certificates
• Products/goods including memorabilia
• Services
• Hand-made items

Donate Item/s for Goodie Bags
(typically under $15 in value)

• Gift cards/certificates
• Products/goods
• Service discounts
• Coupons
• Appetizer/incentive cards

Hidden
Contact Golf Committee for Other Support Options