NFL greats, celebrities provide rave reviews of golf course, city at Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic | Sports

Kelly’s tournament, which has raised over $7 million for various local charities, including the Kelly for Kids Foundation and Hunter’s Hope, throughout its 35 years of existence, prides itself on the great entertainment it provides for hundreds of golfers in Batavia each year. The Kelly Classic comes equipped with celebrities of all kinds, live music on the course and plenty of food and drinks to go around.

“I mean, we have a band on the course. You’ve got to have fun, and that’s what we try to do,” added Kelly. “We try to make sure everybody enjoys themselves, and there’s probably 15 foursomes that probably never make it past hole No. 10. After golfing 10 holes, they’re like ok, we’re good, let’s go to the tents. But I don’t mind it. As long as you’re having fun, and I thank them for all they do for us.”

The most significant benefit of hosting the tournament at Terry Hills, says Kelly, is the 27-hole course that’s provided to about 250 golfers that attend the Kelly Classic annually.

“We were having 10-12 foursomes on the waiting list when we had an 18-hole course,” said the former Bills QB. “We had to have 27 (holes). Now they’ve built this place, it’s gorgeous. Plus, they take unbelievable care of us. So, Terry Hills, a huge, huge thank you.”

Christopher McDonald, better known as Shooter McGavin from the cult classic Happy Gilmore, has been a mainstay at Kelly’s tournament over the past two decades. His impressions of the course and the fun-filled environment created at the event are what keep him coming back year after year.

“I have nothing but respect, and it’s a chamber of commerce day today — it’s perfect,” said McDonald, referring to the ideal weather conditions at tee time. “And we’ve been here when it’s rained. But it’s perfect today, so we expect a really good round.”

Kelly returned to the tournament after being absent the past few years due to personal reasons. He missed last year due to ankle replacement surgery. McDonald says everyone was happy to see the Bills quarterback back at his event this summer.

“He’s the man. It means everything,” said McDonald. “I rode over in the car with him today. He’s my boy, and I have nothing but respect and gratitude for what he’s done with Kelly for Kids. It’s just incredible.”

Former Bills QB Drew Bledsoe attended the Kelly Classic for the first time this year after running into Kelly at an event a few months ago when the Hall of Famer requested his presence at the charity classic.

“He’s just a good person,” said Bledsoe of Kelly. “So it’s great to see him back on his feet and healthy.”

Another year, another successful summer in which Batavia has played host to one of the most high-profile charity golf tournaments in Western New York. For the many celebrities and former NFL greats that attend every year, the centerpiece of Genesee County has proven to be the perfect place to host the Kelly Classic.

“It’s a nice city,” said former Bills linebacker Darryl Talley of Batavia. “It’s a great, quaint city outside of Buffalo.”

If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll see a Bills legend or celebrity or two on their way down Main St. at the event’s conclusion.