Golfers are a rare breed, much like those who hunt or fish, who really don’t need a good reason to miss out on a few hours at work to take up their favorite pastime.

Even though that’s the case, golfers have a real good reason to play this Wednesday as part of the Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic at Valley Grande Golf Course.

Aside from the projected 70-degree weather and clear skies expected for the 10 a.m. tee time, the money raised from this first-year tournament will go to aid special needs children in Selma and Dallas County.

“The great thing about this tournament is that all of the proceeds stay right here in Selma and Dallas County,” Selma Mayor George Evans, who, along with Valley Grande Mayor Tom Lee and Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard organized this tournament. “It should be a beautiful day and a chance to do a lot of good for some area children.”

But for those wanting to play, time may be running out as only nine team slots were left in the maximum 36-team field. Registration is set for $60 per person, or $180 for three-person teams.

“We have been extremely pleased with the turnout,” Evans said. “We really didn’t know just what to expect, but the turnout so far really shows that this is an event that can grow each and every year and become really something to help special needs children here.”

“It looks as though we could max out on people,” said Lee. “I didn’t know how big this would be when I first joined on with this. It’s big. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Corporate sponsorships of $300 and $500 are also still available, and team registration is included in those sponsorship packages. For more information on those sponsorship packages or to register a team, call 875-7241.