For eight years, the LBW Camellia City Classic’s claim to fame has gone well beyond offering an exceptional golfing experience at Cambrian Ridge.

For just as long, it’s also made a difference in the lives of numerous Butler County students in search of a higher education.

This year’s event is slated for a 1 p.m. shotgun start on Wednesday, with the driving range opening at 11 a.m.

Arlene Davis, LBW faculty member and tournament organizer, said that the tournament is a large source of scholarship revenue for the school.

“We have established the Foundation Scholarship for Greenville students, and the proceeds from the golf tournament benefits the Greenville area, Greenville students and Butler County,” Davis said.

“We have lots of sponsors that are outside of the area that bring income and revenue into this area. But the golf tournament itself was established for investing in students for educational opportunities and student activities that the college could not otherwise provide for them.”

To date, the Camellia City Classic has raised an estimated $200,000 since the tournament was established eight years ago.

“According to previous statistics, this golf tournament has raised more money per event than any golf tournament for a two-year college in the state,” Davis said.

“And we’re just so thankful that we have Cambrian Ridge so that we can offer this golf tournament, because true golfers really like playing this course. They’re doing two things — they’re benefiting students, but they’re also getting to play at a top-ranked golf course.”

This year’s tournament will differ little in format from those past.  It will be a four-person scramble, with prizes awarded to the top three teams as well as individual awards given for closest to the pin, longest drive and the elusive hole-in-one.

The $150 admission ($600 for a team of four) also includes a steak dinner upon completion of the tournament.

But more than the course or the amenities offered at Cambrian Ridge, Davis said that her favorite aspect of the tournament is seeing its effect in the classroom.

“As a faculty member, I really get to see how this money is a real benefit,” Davis said.

“People go through LBW and they graduate with their terminal degrees and they come back to our communities, and you see how it has really enriched their lives. So I have the unique opportunity to not only be involved with this, but also in getting to see firsthand how this really benefits individuals not just monetarily, but as they progress through their higher education.”

The tournament is still in need of participants, and those interested in registering are asked to call Davis at (334) 382-2133 ext. 3212, or email her at adavis@lbwcc.edu.