For the 27th year, sports celebrities and area golfers took to the links this weekend to raise money for Special Olympics Maine. On Saturday, Sept. 23 the carts rolled to the tees of Boothbay Harbor Country Club carrying 110 golfers, according to Boothbay Charities Classic co-chair Brenda Blackman.

Each foursome carried a sports world celebrity. Many of the celebrities have returned to the event year after year. Retired Oakland Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks said he has been coming back to Boothbay for 14 years.

“I was here when it was only nine holes,” said Hendricks. He recalled the former log clubhouse on the spot where the current practice putting green lies. 

Former Cinncinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox pitcher Jack Billingham said he also sponsors charity events around the country. “I have been coming here for years,” said Billingham.

Former Minnesota offensive lineman David O’Brien and fellow Watertown  High School football player Bob Cappadonna also attended. O’Brien said he has been for at least 20 years.

“Unbelievable,” said O’Brien of the upgrades to the course and clubhouse facilities.

O’Brien’s team held the net low score when the the day was done. The team of Mark Gimbel of Boothbay Harbor had the low gross score. 

Portland Sea Dogs Senior Vice President John Kameisha also complimented the course. “It is in super shape,” he said.

Volunteer Stephanie Hawke said her grandfather Clyde Jones owned the facility in the 1970s. “I drove the carts,” said Hawke.

She remembers washing golf balls and sledding down the hill where the first tee now lies. “I would be paid for collecting the balls that went in the woods.”

Former Red Sox Pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee was surprised to hear his 1972 record for a Red Sox pitcher scoring a hit against the Cinncinnati Reds was broken the night before by David Price.

“Did Price do it? Well, I’ll be. Well, great for Price. He can flat-out hit ...,” said Lee from the putting green. Lee attends several charity events every season.

Michael Coyne of Portland contributed $130 to the charity by attempting to qualify for the $500 prize for sinking a long distance putt. It took him 39 putts to become one of seven to qualify in the putting competition won by Tim Black. 

This year’s event raised $55,000 for Special Olympics Maine.

President and CEO Phil Geelhoed thanked the country club, staff, event organizers, volunteers and the players for their participation. He said sports are a very important way for handicapped youth to gain self-confidence.

“The chance to get in the game is really what is important,” said Geelhoed.