<>
Kavanaugh hits tee shots for participating teams at Dahlgreen Golf Club near Chaska, giving players a chance to use his distance for their first shot and vie for a $5,000 golf trip if they hole the next one.
Tournament Logistics and Schedule at Dahlgreen Golf Club
The Eden Prairie Lions Club revived the annual tournament in 2022 after a 16-year absence, spending three years at Bent Creek Golf Club before returning to Dahlgreen Golf Club. Michael Moriarity, serving his first year as tournament committee chair after co-chairing last year, reported that 25 teams registered before registration closed.
The event schedule begins at 11:30 a.m. with check-in and a grab-and-go lunch, followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Participants will wrap up the day with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by dinner, awards, and prizes at 6 p.m.
Pro Tips: Maximizing Scramble Strategy
According to tournament rules, the outing is a scramble where each foursome plays from its best shot, and every golfer must contribute two drives. Using three sets of tees—Platinum tees at 5,108 yards for women, Bronze tees at 5,831 yards for men over 65, and G/B tees at 6,230 yards for men under 65—helps older players stay competitive in contests like longest drive, as noted by Michael Moriarity.
Charity Impact and Community Support
Proceeds from the tournament directly support Eden Prairie Lions Club service projects and local community groups, according to Michael Moriarity. Key beneficiaries include the PROP Food Shelf and the PROP Shop.
Additional organizations backed by the Lions include the Minnesota Lions Gift of Sight Eye Bank, Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation, The Bond Between animal welfare organization, and True Friends Camp Eden Wood, as listed on the tournament website.
Prizes, Contests, and Long-Drive Highlights
Eligible amateur golfers competing in the event can win a share of the prize pool, which includes $800 for first place, $600 for second place, $300 for a randomly selected foursome, and $200 for the last-place team. Holes 2 and 12 feature $10,000 hole-in-one prizes, alongside closest-to-the-pin, longest-putt, and longest-drive contests.
Joseph Kavanaugh, who lives in Burnsville and grew up hitting balls at Hiawatha Golf Course in south Minneapolis, brings professional long-drive experience to Hole 11. Kavanaugh noted that his personal record is around 500 yards on a par-five at a charity event, aided by firm ground, while his competitive World Long Drive shots reach about 450 yards. Working roughly five charity outings each summer through Charity Golf International, Kavanaugh manages drives for approximately 150 people over a four-to-six-hour stretch.
Did You Know?
Joseph Kavanaugh was hitting drives of about 400 yards by the time he reached age 18, following years of practice at Hiawatha Golf Course during his childhood in south Minneapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Eden Prairie Lions Charity Golf Tournament held?
The tournament is held at Dahlgreen Golf Club near Chaska, after previously spending three years at Bent Creek Golf Club following its 2022 revival.
What organizations benefit from the tournament funds?
According to Michael Moriarity and the tournament website, funds support the PROP Food Shelf, the PROP Shop, Minnesota Lions Gift of Sight Eye Bank, Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation, The Bond Between, and True Friends Camp Eden Wood.
How does the long-drive assistance work on Hole 11?
Joseph Kavanaugh hits tee shots for participating teams who donate or pay at the hole. Golfers can use his drive as their first shot, and holing the next shot can win them a $5,000 golf trip.
What are the tee placements for the tournament?
Women play from the Platinum tees at 5,108 yards, men over 65 play from the Bronze tees at 5,831 yards, and men under 65 play from the G/B tees at 6,230 yards.
Support the Community: Explore our latest community features, share your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on local charity events.
Worth a look