In spite of overcast skies and stiff breezes, all 36 foursomes were sold and a strong turnout of golfers helped make the inaugural Prudential-YMCA Golf Classic a huge success.

"We’re very happy that the tournament was a sell-out," said Dr. Tom Den Boer, executive Director of the South Dade YMCA that serves from Pinecrest to Goulds, "and we’re pleased that Prudential Insurance decided to come on board as our corporate sponsor and that Lucent Technologies became our corporate sponsor."

Den Boer said corporate sponsorship for the event was very strong, adding that there were 18 tee sponsors and 18 hole sponsors, as well as 14 product sponsors and five event sponsors. Nationwide Signs was the sign sponsor.

The day dawned cloudy and overcast and there were fears that the tournament would be a washout because of bad weather. But the heavy rains never materialized and the afternoon breeze was just strong enough to dry out the humidity to make it a perfect South Florida day for golf.

So successful was the event that Den Boer reiterated that the golf tournament will be annual and will be the centerpiece of the South Dade YMCA’s fund-raising efforts.

"The reason for holding the tournament is to supplement our Invest In Youth campaign," said Den Boer, "which is the YMCA’s fund to generate and provide financial assistance for families and children who enroll in our programs, but who are faced with financial limitations."

The 18-hole tournament was held Oct. 3 at the University Golf and Country Club, 9400 SW 130 Ave. in West Kendall’s Calusa area.