Tony is Golf
I met Anthony "Tony" Aloi on our freshman hall at Furman University in 2008. He was a golfer from New Jersey that was getting his first taste of the South in college. He was undoubtedly from the North, but still had some genuine southern characteristics. He was small in stature, but certainly made up for his size with his confident (cocky when necessary) mouth. He was smart, witty, and hilarious. If you ever were feeling down or upset, all you had to do was walk down the hall to his room and he'd be there (if he wasn't on the golf course). He's the guy you want your daughter to marry. Complete gentleman, great family, and someone who is there for you when you need him. A true friend. But even more importantly Tony exemplified golf in every way possible. I have never in my life been around someone who loved something as much as Tony loves golf. It's a healthy obsession, but not an inebriation. It's an intensive, deep, and honest passion for the game. He's knowledge of golf's past and present is abundant and his desire to learn and improve his game is persistent.
Tony graduated from Furman University in May 2013 and has been pursuing his professional golf career for a full year now. He has played in various qualifiers throughout the East Coast and has also been a member of the eGolf Professional Tour. The tough part about beginning a professional golf career is that you must fund yourself. Your work ethic, determination, and skill can only take you so far unless you have the necessary means to fund your efforts.
As his friend I want to see him succeed. I want to see him live his dream of playing in the Master's, The Players Championship, and The U.S. Open. I want to see him achieve happiness. And we all search for happiness, but not many of us know exactly what that means for our individual lives. For Tony, I know that his true joy and admiration are found within the game of golf.
What We Need
A few weekends ago some friends and I (whom are also friends with Tony) got together and decided we'd help fund an entry fee for an upcoming tournament of Tony's. We felt as if a crowd-funding site was the most effective way to do so.
The entry fee is $1,080, with the addition of food and gas during his stay throughout the week for a total cost of $1,300. If you contribute to this effort you will help provide support and energy to an individual who is working hard to achieve his dream and who has every intention to make it a reality.
Contributors of all amounts will be greatly appreciated.
Please note: If we do not reach our intended goal, all funds raised will go directly towards an upcoming tournament entry fee.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you do not feel compelled to offer financial assistance, below are some additional ways you can help:
- Tony's tournaments are all throughout the Carolinas. If he's close to you, simply having him over for a home-cooked meal while he's at a tournament would be extremely beneficial.
- Send Tony some words of encouragement to help motivate his game and his dream.
- Share this campaign with your family and friends.
The Lasting Impression
Tony is one hell of a guy. I for one want to see him succeed. I know he can and I know he will. I also know that this effort would do wonders for his morale and confidence moving forward in his journey.
My friends and I thank you in advance for your thoughts and consideration.
Feel free to contact me personally with any questions or comments @benjaminrgranger@gmail.com
