Outback Steakhouse Kitchen Manager Has Million Dollar Golf Swing

By: Outback Steakhouse | 249 Shares 4,538 Reads

Golf tournament raises over $160,000 for good cause

November 12, 2008 // Franchising.com // Raleigh, North Carolina, – An Outback Steakhouse Kitchen Manager left a charity golf tournament a million dollars richer, after making history, and holing out a 169 yard shot, at the tournament's Coca-Cola Million Dollar Shootout.

At the Outback "WE" Cup challenge, hosted at Devil's Ridge Golf Club in Holly Springs, N.C. (10 miles from Raleigh), James Foley was asked to serve as a "substitute" player at a golf tournament sponsored and organized by Outback Steakhouse. Ten players were randomly selected from the 128 player field, with the chance to shoot for a million dollars from the 18th fairway. Foley was the seventh to attempt the shot, using a seven iron; stepping three yards back from the 166 yard spot and over-shooting the hole. Hundreds of spectators were astounded as they watched the ball roll from the back hill, sinking into the hole.

Event master of ceremonies, Don Shea, a popular commentator for NC State Wolfpack sports, noted this was an impressive feat from an amateur golfer and a rare accomplishment that has only been made maybe 10 times.

This was the inaugural year for the Outback Steakhouse golf tournament, designed to raise awareness and money to fund research for Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), a rare, genetic, life-shortening disorder that usually affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. The tournament raised a total of $160k donated directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association which leads the research efforts for FA and other debilitating muscular diseases. Of the tournament participants, many represented Outback including OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC Chief Operating Officer Paul Avery, and the Proprietors of Outback Steakhouses in North and South Carolina. Titled the "WE" Cup tournament, "WE" signifies the unity of the Carolina Outback's western and eastern stores to commit to finding a cure for FA.

James Foley currently resides in the Raleigh-area and has served in Outback management for four years. James has been with Outback Steakhouse for more than five years. His boss joked that he is now accepting applications for a replacement, but James is just relishing in his new found wealth.

"I planned a smooth stroke to the right side seeing that if I hit the backdrop the ball would trickle down to the hole, but I was in complete awe and shock when I actually saw it go in. I didn't believe it until I ran to the hole," Foley said. "It was a complete feeling of exuberance."

To view to the hole-in-one video, please visit http://www.osirestaurantpartners.com/video/HOLE-IN-ONE1.wmv. (Photographer: Doug Wilson; Video Courtesy of Velasquez Digital Media Communications)

About Outback Steakhouse

Renowned for its big, bold flavors, Outback Steakhouse features a menu of juicy USDA Choice steaks, grilled chicken, shrimp and fish, the original Bloomin' Onion, plus signature drinks, salads and desserts. Only serving the freshest food, all soups, sauces, dressings are created from scratch. At Outback Steakhouse, guests can satisfy all their cravings for great tasting, high quality appetizers, entrees, and desserts. For more information, please visit www.outback.com

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