Shannan Keys, a breast cancer survivor, has been playing in the Tee Off Fore Tatas charity golf

tournament for four years.

“I like being able to not think about anything for that day, and go out and have fun. I get to see some friends that I met, relationships that I’ve built. And it’s for a really good cause.”

Keys will also play in this year’s tournament on Oct. 1 at Mount Vintage Golf Course.

For the past 12 years, the Apartment Association of Greater Augusta has organized Tee Off Fore Tatas – a charity golf tournament that raises awareness and support for breast cancer research at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University.

Last year’s tournament garnered $33,348.44. Since 2010, $168,471.91 has been raised to fund breast cancer research.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast. Lunch will be provided in the clubhouse to take out on the course. The tournament finishes at 4 p.m. following an awards ceremony and live auction.

Tee Off Fore Tatas is open to the public and welcomes players of all skill levels. Registration costs $150 for single players and $600 for teams of four. Sponsorship levels start at $300. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Golfers can participate in several contests, including the longest drive, closest to the pin and putting contest. This year, there will be two golf guns on the course; for $10, players can make their shot from an AR-15 retrofitted for golf balls.

"We are looking so forward to another fabulous event this year,” said event chair Shelly Martin. “Before COVID and after COVID, breast cancer is still a battle that many women, and some men, have fought and are still fighting. We are honored to contribute to the research that will undoubtedly result in a cure one day."

According to the American Cancer Society, there is a one in eight chance the average woman in the United States will develop breast cancer. Research through the Georgia Cancer Center is providing increased awareness, earlier screenings and better treatment options. The Georgia Cancer Center is a multi-disciplinary academic cancer center whose mission is to reduce the burden of cancer in Georgia and across the globe through superior care, innovation and education.

The Apartment Association of Greater Augusta is a trade organization for the multifamily housing industry in the Central Savannah River Area. Its mission is to promote the professional growth and success of its members through education, networking opportunities and community involvement.

For more information about the tournament, visit www.golfaaga.com or call 706-814-6537. Additional details and photos from past events are available on the tournament’s Facebook page.