Newton Cares Classic set to tee off with celebrity golfers July 25

Golf. Care. Give. It’s that simple to help Central Iowans in need at the inaugural Gregg Young Auto Center of Newton presents Newton Cares Classic on July 25.

The tournament will feature celebrity golfers and individuals who have registered to compete in a fun and friendly event to raise funds for nonprofits in Jasper County and Central Iowa. Event organizers said proceeds will be dispersed through Iowa Speedway Cares, Friends of Newton Parks and United Way of Jasper County, which will impact 24 nonprofits in total.

“The Newton Cares Classic provides us with the unique ability to impact thousands of lives and support 24 different nonprofits through just one event,” Jessica Lowe Vokes, director of United Way and a tournament organizer, said. “Our goal is to grow the tournament so we can help as many different non-profits as possible and positively impact as many Iowans as possible.”

While there are many golf tournaments hosted throughout the Hawkeye state during summer, Newton Cares Classic offers a different spin combining events at both Iowa Speedway and Westwood Golf Course. The venues, coupled with the celebrity golfers, has been a draw for individuals who want to have the chance to golf with some world-class athletes and popular local celebrities.

“We have a great roster of celebrities who are playing,” Brad Sponseller, Westwood Golf Pro and a member of the tournament committee, said. “We have a great course here at Westwood — it is kind of a hidden gem — so we know we are going to be able to offer a really great experience to the tournament participants.”

Celebrities slated to be part of the event include former Hawkeye and NFL star Tim Dwight, former Hawkeye and NBA star Bobby Hansen, “Iowa Nice Guy” Scott Siepker, NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Michael Annett, Cole Custer and Noah Gragson, former Iowa State University football player RJ Sumrall, former NFL players Merv Krakau, Ernst Brun Jr. and Kahlil Carter, Knoxville Raceway 2018 champion Austin McCarl, NASCAR executive Wayne Auton, WHO TV Meteorologist Ed Wilson, Iowa Barnstormers’ Jeremy Gloston,  former MLB pitcher and Des Moines Buccaneers President Nate Teut and Des Moines Buccaneers Coach and former NHL player Pete Mannino.

Along with big names, Newton Cares Classic will feature big prizes, including a chance to win not one, but two brand new vehicles from presenting sponsor Gregg Young Auto Center in Newton.

“We are excited to be a part of Newton Cares Classic and to have the opportunity to make this tournament a successful one in support of great causes,” Nick Williams, General Manager at Gregg Young Auto Center in Newton, said.

To promote the tournament and the newest Gregg Young Auto Center location at Interstate 80 exit 164, the dealership will be offering free tournament tickets to individuals who test drive a vehicle. The staff also will be volunteering and participating in the tournament.

In addition to Gregg Young Auto Center of Newton, the tournament is sponsored by Hatch Development Group, Clearview Recovery Center, Newton Subway restaurants, Riggs Printing, Iowa Speedway, Bolton & Menck and US Bank in Newton.

“A successful event is made with the support of businesses and organizations who realize the value in investing in the community,” Craig Armstrong, a tournament organizer, said. “The great folks at Gregg Young Auto Center and our other generous sponsors truly understand what it means to be part of a community and are stepping up to help make wonderful things happen in Newton and Central Iowa through this event.”

Player registration is open until Monday, July 22. Each registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart, admission to opening ceremonies and a VIP awards reception, food, beverages, and a chance to compete with a celebrity golfer. To register for the event, visit www.newtoncaresclassic.org/participate.html or visit the Westwood Golf Course Pro Shop.

“We at Iowa Speedway are very excited about the Newton Cares Classic and what it will mean for thousands of individuals who will benefit from the proceeds,” Iowa Speedway President David Hyatt said. “We hope people will see the tournament as not only an opportunity to golf with some of the hottest racing talent in the country and other great athletes and celebrities but a way to have a great time and give back to the community.”