Ninety golfers teed off at last year’s Classic at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA.

One of the lodging industry’s most important philanthropic events is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation Golf Classic will held Aug. 19-22 at La Costa in Carlsbad, CA. The previous 24 Golf Classics have raised a combined $2.25 million to support the AH&LEF’s core missions of research, grants and scholarships.

Last year’s event at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA attracted 90 golfers and raised more than $110,000 for the foundation.

Golf Classic participants warm up for the start of the 2009 Classic at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

“It’s a great program for the industry and the foundation because of the scholarships it provides that help new individuals come into our industry,” says Jim Chu, senior vice president of the franchise owner relations group for Hyatt Hotels. Chu is a long-time attendee at the Classic and was chairman of the event from 2009 to 2011. “And because the tournament is so well run, it is a great way to spend time with our owners and clients. They’re always excited to participate and visit the great venues that host the events.”

Indeed, the list of Classic sites is a who’s who of the industry’s top resorts. The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs has hosted three times, as has Pinehurst in North Carolina. Both the Homestead and Kiawah Island, SC have been the site of the Classic twice. The tournaments include both handicap and scramble formats, and prizes are awarded for both team and individual play.

Chu says he hopes the Classic can grow to 140 players or more. “And while we’ve been successful at keeping participation strong among vendors to the industry, having greater participation from hotel brands and lodging companies is the key to making the event even more successful than it has been in the past.”

Individuals and companies can participate in next year’s Classic as golfers and/or sponsors. Price for a single player to participate is $3,500 and includes a room for three nights, unlimited golf, meals and receptions, use of the event hospitality suite and welcome gifts and prizes. For more information on the 2012 AH&LEF Golf Classic, contact Katie Hais at khais@ahla.com or 202-289-3114.