Ryan Dempster was on hand — with his World Series ring, which just added to an even greater day on the links at the fifth annual Dempster Family Foundation Golf Tournament.
Held at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club on a beautiful sunny, Saturday, June 21 afternoon, 156 competitors, the biggest field ever in the event’s history, came out to support the foundation and help strike out 22Q (Di-George Syndrome).
According to organizer Wally Dempster, more than $20,000 was raised.
“I’m very happy with the day and the turnout,” he said. “Ryan was so excited to play this year. I had both of my grandsons out there — a great day, really enjoyable.”
SCG&CC head pro Jim Pringle said the event was almost like a reunion of sorts.
“You get similar groups of fellows and gals come back to play together,” Pringle said. “You get the camaraderie from all the players, good fun and good spirits. And having Ryan here with his World Series ring just added to the fun of the event.”
Dempster, who decided just before spring training began in March that he would forego the final year of his contract with the Boston Red Sox and step away from the game, was able to play in the event for the first time.
“I’m excited. I know everyone has been having a lot of fun without me for the past four years, so to be a part of this is great and to see all the hard work my dad puts in, it’s special. I’m glad I get to be a part of it and play some golf today,” he said.
When asked if he missed playing ball, he said he was at peace with his decision.
“No, I’m good. I miss it sometimes, probably the camaraderie in the locker room more than anything else,” he said. “I keep myself pretty competitive playing enough golf and pick-up hockey to pacify my need for some sort of competitive outlet. I’m just having fun, watching the guys play, and that’s it.”
In making the announcement to step away from baseball in March, Dempster cited injuries and a desire to spend more time with his family as factors in his decision.
“I’ve been [playing] a long time. I’ve always taken care of my body, but I’ve also always gone after it hard — running and lifting and doing all those things. My body just kind of told me that maybe this was the right time,” he said. “And after winning the World Series, I was like, I think I’m going to go home, spend a lot of my time with my family. I have three little kids and they are going to grow up before I know it.
“After this season, I think I will look at it and see how everything goes. I don’t want to make that decision yet. I don’t see myself playing anymore, but you never know.”
Dempster said he was so grateful for the support from the Coast community, which enabled the tournament to be the most successful to date.
“I’m sitting here and putting out all these prizes on the prize tables and the doorbell has been going non-stop at my parents house, dropping stuff by, and to see it all come together is awesome,” he said. “People all over, including everyone here, have had such an impact on the foundation and the things it has been able to do and the leaps and bounds it has made. You know you are changing lives and impacting lives, and the Sunshine Coast is a big part of it.”
For more information on the Help Strike Out 22Q Foun-dation, see www.dempsterfamilyfoundation.org.
