World-Class Golf Coming to Barrington Again With CVS Caremark Classic

The 15th CVS Caremark Charity Classic tees off again next week, June 23-25, at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington.

As it has for the past 14 years, the PGA-sanctioned tourney will bring 20 professionals from the PGA, LPGA and Champions tours – including co-hosts and founders Brad Faxon of Barrington and Billy Andrade of Bristol, three 2013 PGA tour winners, and fan favorites Fuzzy Zoeller and Nick Price – to Barrington to match shots to raise money for charitable organizations throughout New England.

“Ticket sales have already surpassed last year,” said Greg Costello of Tiverton, tournament director for the past seven years. “We’re anticipating a large crowd on a course that looks as good as I’ve seen it.”

"We hope to raise at least another million dollars for charity," he said, as the pros battle for a $1.5 million purse.

More than $16 million has been raised over the past 14 years.

And this year, the tourney offers even more than several days of world-class golf, said Costello. The charity golf tournament will be creating “an ultimate golf experience” for kids and amateurs who will compete in their own events.

The “Three-Hole Challenge” for children on Monday morning will offer kids of all abilities a chance to experience golf like the pros “inside the ropes” on holes 16-18. Five foursomes made up of kids representing a variety of the tournament’s charity partners and a member of the Barrington High School golf team will participate. 

“We’ll be announcing them coming up the fairway to the final hole just like the pros,” said Costello. “Puma is providing complete outfits.”

Then there is the coolest ride in golf – the Oakley Hovercraft golf cart. It was made popular by the YouTube sensation, “Bubba’s Hovercraft”. It will make a rare appearance on Monday and Tuesday near the 18th fairway just off Nayatt Road.

Fans can get an up-close-and-personal look at the futuristic vehicle and even snap a few photos of themselves in the driver’s seat. The Oakley hovercraft has only made a few appearances since it was introduced, including the 2013 Masters Tournament. 

There also is a free kids and family golf clinic with professionals from the New England PGA (NEPGA). They will be providing one-on-one golf tips for attendees at the practice range, said Susan Bond of the NEPGA.

The kids will use “birdie balls,” shaped like a napkin holder, said Costello.

NEPGA’s “golfzilla” dinosaur also will be on hand, said Bond. Golfers will have a chance to hit balls into its mouth and hands.

There is no need to bring golf clubs, she said. The NEPGA will provide all equipment. You can get a lesson from a pro on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm and on Monday and Tuesday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

The Opening Ceremony on Monday at 9 am will be emceed by Dan Hicks -- the voice of NBC Golf and Notre Dame football. He will bring his wit and commentary to the ceremony at the 18th green, which will feature a skills challenge featuring all 20 professionals. 

Trick-shot artist and two-time RE/MAX World Long-Drive Champion Jamie Sadlowski will also provide entertainment.

The first round of tournament competition begins immediately following the clinic with the final round slated for Tuesday starting at 9 am.

The three-day tournament actually begins with the Pepsi Pro-Am on Sunday, June 23.  The first-place teams from Sunday’s morning and afternoon rounds will once again compete in the Pepsi MAX shootout during regular tournament play on Monday. 

“It’s a tournament within the tournament,” said Costello. “It gives the amateurs a chance to match shots with legends of golf and some of the best current players in the world.”

Here is the first-round schedule:

10:30 a.m.  Michael Thompson – Fuzzy Zoeller

                  Lexi Thompson – Peter Jacobsen

10:40 a.m.  Pepsi MAX Shootout Team #1 

10:50 a.m.  Juli Inkster – Russell Henley

                  Annika Sorenstam – Billy Horschel 

11:00 a.m.   Pepsi MAX Shootout Team #2

11:10 a.m.    Bo Van Pelt – Steve Stricker

                    Jeff Sluman – Brad Faxon

11:20 a.m.    Morgan Pressel – Jay Haas

                    Bill Haas – Billy Andrade

11:30 a.m.     Nick Price – Louis Oosthuizen

                     Rickie Fowler – Bubba Watson

Also new for 2013 is free admission for veterans and all active, reserve and retired Military Service Members and their dependents. An active duty military officer also will be handling the flagstick, topped by an American flag, at the par-three 16th hole, Costello said.

It’s really the more than 600 volunteers who make this tournament happen, said Costello.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

Tickets for the tourney are available through a special offer at CVS/pharmacy stores in Rhode Island as well as select CVS/pharmacy locations in Southeastern Massachusetts. 

In addition, fans can purchase a three-day pass ($60) or single, good-any-day tickets ($25) by calling 866-CVS-9441 or visiting cvscharityclassic.com for a mail-in application.  Children 17 and under are free with a ticketed adult. 

All public parking is at the Seekonk Speedway in Massachusetts off of Route 6. A shuttle service will run from 5:15 am to 5 pm each day with the final shuttle of the day leaving about one hour after play ends

Click here for the CVS Caremark Charity Classic website.