This might be the first golf tournament I have ever wanted to attend.

When describing my skills on the links, the word would be "miniature," which is good - because the only golf game I've ever won involved a course that featured big windmills and lots of Astroturf.

But the Jason Gore & Friends tourney piqued my interest for two reasons. First, because the nonprofit organization that will benefit from Gore's goodness is Carousel Ranch. The second, though, is substantially less altruistic.

I'll just come out and say it. I have a long-standing crush on Carson Daly. Who doesn't? Those piercing blue eyes. The clever wit. The famous forehead. Yes, Carson Daly may have hosted Total Request Live, but in my nightly prayers, he was just my "total request" (after world peace, of course).

You see, like you, Hart grad and pro golfer Jason Gore has a lot of friends. His are just a lot cooler than yours.

This tournament, however, is your opportunity to borrow Gore's friends for a day (Or two... There's a meet and greet on Sunday, before the event.). Breaking from the "foursome" tradition, teams of five will take to the links of Valencia Country Club with more than a few monogrammed balls in tow. You'll also be shuttling around with a bona fide famous person (and a scorekeeper - we can't have famous people bothered with counting on our watch). Check out the sidebar and choose between famous athletes or famous film peeps.

You can't go wrong - unless you wait. There's only one Carson Daly, after all, and this tournament is first come, first serve.

Event Schedule
Sunday, February 15
Held at Salt Creek Grille.
7:30 p.m."Meet and Greet with Jason
Gore and Friends"

Monday, February 16
Held at the Valencia Country Club.
8:30 a.m. Breakfast, "Putt with the Pros"
contest
10 a.m. Shotgun start, on-course lunch
4 p.m. Cocktail reception
5 p.m. Awards dinner and live auction

For information on sponsorships, golf packages, ad sales or awards-dinner-only tickets, please call Carousel Ranch at 268-8010 or visit www.carouselranch.org.

Meet your "Friends"
The following golf pros and celebs have confirmed their attendance at the Carousel Classic. New attendees are added regularly!

PGA Professionals
Steve Elkington (10-time PGA Tour winner)
Ryan Palmer (2008 PGA Tour Gin Su Mer Classic winner)
Charley Hoffman (2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic winner)
Tommy Armour III (two-time PGA Tour winner)
Jason Bohn (2005 PGA Tour BC Open Winner)
Pat Perez
Colt Knost (2007 US Amateur Champ and two-time Nationwide Tour winner)

Celebrities
Carson Daly
Tommy Thayer (KISS guitarist)
Matt Greiser (Sign Boy from Titleist commercials)

Golf with a Purpose
Over 100 special needs children receive therapy on horseback each week at Carousel Ranch; kids with Down's Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, missing limbs and other mental and physical handicaps consider the Ranch their second home.

Because of all that's "riding" on the popular nonprofit organization (because of Carousel Ranch's success rates, over 100 families are on the waiting list for a therapy spot), this fundraiser is all the more important.

"The impact of the current economy is truly frightening, making it more and more difficult to raise funds," says Executive Director Denise Tomey. "As we look toward 2009, we know that things are going to be tight, but the fact remains that we have children who depend on us...children whose lives are better because of what we do. And our goal is to always be here for the kids."

Continues Tomey, "This tournament will help us at a time when we truly need it the most. We are so thankful to the Gore family for their amazing support and look forward to this being successful - not only successful in raising money, but in creating an exciting event that will become an annual tradition in the SCV."