Mesa Verde Classic Golf Tournament Features Margaritaville Theme

Wastin’ away in Margaritaville is going to have a whole new meaning at the 14th annual Mesa Verde Classic Golf Tournament on Jan. 15, 2018.

Your long lost shaker of salt will certainly be found during 18 holes of fun, food and Margaritvaville-themed entertainment all in the name of raising money for Costa Mesa United, a group of volunteers who are devoted to improving the athletic experiences of Costa Mesa youth through better facilities, fields and equipment.

The Mesa Verde Classic has fast become one of the most anticipated events in Costa Mesa. The tournament has sold out with over 134 players ready to compete and have fun on the plush Mesa Verde Country Club golf course.

“This is the quickest the tournament has been sold out in its history,” said Steve Mensinger, the tournament chairman.

Costa Mesa United has already raised over $140,000 and will continue to work toward adding more for the youth in Costa Mesa.

The Mesa Verde Classic is Costa Mesa United’s signature charity event of the year and has been known as an 18-hole party for those in the community wanting to have fun and contribute to Costa Mesa youth sports.

The who’s who of local businesses and restaurants and bars will be represented throughout the day at the Classic. There will be tastings and drinks while live music from varied local acts play in the background.

The event will cater to competitors and to others wanting to play, party and ping for a cause. In addition to the tournament, there will be competitions, including: longest drive, closest to the pin and special hole-in-one opportunities. Three holes feature a hole-in-one for a new car from Cadillac, Ford and Toyota.

The Classic will also have plenty of other highlights. Mesa Verde Country Club pro Tom Sargent, who will soon be retiring, will be honored during the day, as will the Vans company, which has deep roots in Costa Mesa.

Sargent and the MVCC board of directors brought the golf tournament to Mesa Verde and donate the course each year.

Costa Mesa United came to the rescue last year to revive the Orange County High School All-Star Football game, after the contest was in danger of being canceled due to lack of funding and organizers. It was an example of the many altruistic acts CMU has delivered throughout the years.

Since 2005, CMU has donated $189,838 to Costa Mesa High School Athletics; $186,181 to Estancia High School Athletics and $140,509 to Costa Mesa American and National Little Leagues.

Costa Mesa United was founded in 1991 by Jim Scott Sr. The group continues to thrive under the leadership of Gordon Bowley, the CMU president, and its board of directors.

To date, CMU’s contributions have totaled over $800,000 in grants to youth sports facilities used by Costa Mesa kids.

CMU has donated to Back Bay Rugby, Chargers Youth Football, Newport Mesa Soccer Club, Costa Mesa Aquatics Club and many other youth sports teams throughout the years.