Mesa Verde Classic to raise money for Costa Mesa youth athletics

In an effort to raise money for Costa Mesa United, the 14th annual Mesa Verde Classic golf tournament will take place on Monday at Mesa Verde Country Club.

The 18-hole charity event will have a Margaritaville theme, with local businesses, restaurants and bars in attendance. There will also be live music from local artists.

All of the more-than-134 available spots have been filled for the field of competitors, with tournament chairman Steve Mensinger saying in a press release that this is the earliest that the event has sold out in its history.

The fun will extend beyond the tournament, with competitions such as the longest drive, closest to the pin, and hole-in-one opportunities also being provided.

In addition, Costa Mesa United will recognize figures who have contributed to the event. The shoe manufacturer Vans and its vice president of events and promotions, Steve Van Doren, will be honored. Vans donated shoes to the Mesa Verde Classic last year.

Tom Sargent, the longtime head pro of the Mesa Verde Country Club, will also be among the honorees. Sargent is set to retire. Beyond his service to the club’s members, Sargent’s contributions include helping get the charity golf tournament started.

Costa Mesa United is a group of volunteers who have come together to support youth sports in the city. Since 2005, the group said, it has made generous contributions to the athletic departments of Costa Mesa High ($189,838) and Estancia ($186,181), as well as donating $140,509 to Costa Mesa American Little League and Costa Mesa National Little League.

Last year, the organization stepped up to help put on the Orange County High School All-Star Football game. The game had been in jeopardy of being canceled due to lack of funds.

Twitter: @DailyPilotSport