Approximately $200,000 raised during Natalie Kim Memorial Philadelphia Orchestra Golf Classic at iconic Applebrook Golf Club, including Gil Hanse ‘preview’
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Golfers, friends and orchestra lovers from all over the country and Philadelphia converged on the City of Brotherly Love on Oct. 1 to support The Philadelphia Orchestra for one of its most energetic golf fundraisers, partnering with Perfect Golf Event for the Natalie Kim Memorial Philadelphia Orchestra Golf Classic.
David Kim was the co-chair of the golf event, alongside Golf Genius founder and CEO Mike Zisman and with Perfect Golf Event organizing the competition at revered Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, PA, just west of Philadelphia. Kim is the concertmaster and first-chair violinist for The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the world’s most renowned orchestras.
The tournament, for one year, was played in memory of Kim’s late daughter, Natalie, who died from cancer in late 2023. According to Kim, The Philadelphia Orchestra has had a golf fundraiser off and on for approximately 40 years.
Applebrook was also the site of the May 29 Philadelphia Orchestra Gil Hanse Breakfast. The private event whet the appetite for the golf fundraiser four months later by having celebrated architect and nearby resident Gil Hanse speak following a Continental Breakfast. Hanse calls Applebrook his home course and in 2001 made Applebrook one of his first solo design projects.
Hanse talked about the elements of golf course design, with his work also including the Olympic Course for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympic Games, Los Angeles Country Club South (original) and North (restoration for the 2023 U.S. Open), a Pinehurst No. 4 renovation and the creation of the adjacent par-3 course, The Cradle, the Streamsong Resort Black Course and renovation work at Merion, Aronimink, The Country Club, Olympic Golf Club and Colonial among other touted courses globally.
The entire event raised nearly $200,000 to benefit The Philadelphia Orchestra and its award-winning education and community initiatives that engage more than 50,000 students, families and community members.
“Paul (Courter) and Perfect Golf Event were critical to the success of this event,” said Kim, speaking of the Perfect Golf Event Chief Operating Officer. “The whole Perfect Golf event organization was absolutely professional and sensitive to me in honoring our daughter.
“Being such a devoted golfer and playing alongside some core golfers, we have dealt with a lot of golf consultant companies to organize big tournaments. Perfect Golf Event was so much better than any consulting firm we had dealt with. They added features to the event we had never thought of. Every little detail was taken care of and never missed a beat.
“That was important to me and the organizers. I heard from many golfers from all over the country, playing out of some of the most respected private clubs, who flew in for the tournament. They all said it was the best outing they ever participated in and the whole package was so well received.”
The 2024 event included several unique features:
- Golf Genius provided live scoring for the event, an unusual occurrence for a charity event from an internationally respected platform that is used in many high-level competitive Zisman is a Philadelphian and an avid Philadelphia Orchestra and golf supporter.
- Golf Shamble format where everyone plays from the tee, like a scramble, but from the second shot on everyone plays their own ball, creating an inclusive atmosphere.
- $1 Million Shot Hole. Each team selected one player to try the shot on the par-3 14th If the shot was made, the proceeds are shared with the group and The Philadelphia Orchestra.
- Putt for an Eagles Away Game Tickets. Two putts for $50 would qualify participants for an opportunity to win two VIP tickets to an NFL Philadelphia Eagles away game in either 2024 or 2025, including tickets, accommodations and a $1,000 travel credit.
- Hole in One If an ace was scored, the winner was eligible for a Mercedes-Benz from Piazza Auto Group and $10,000.
- Special Drone Golf Ball Drop. Following play, more than 200 numbered golf balls were dropped from a drone with the numbered ball closest to the hole winning $2,000 for the person linked to that numbered golf ball.
- An online auction featuring trips to Africa, Spain, Greece, Italy, the Mid-Ocean Club in Bermuda and golf at iconic Philadelphia venues Merion and Aronimink, organized through Philorchauction.com.
“At this event and many of the events we plan, we try and be different from the straight-forward four-person scramble that make up a lot of charity events,” Courter said. “We always try to add fun things for the events each year.
“The message that resonated from the event was the ability to introduce all the participants and sponsors more deeply to The Philadelphia Orchestra and what they do for the community. Many of the participants had no idea what the orchestra does in support of many causes in Philadelphia. That was an important element.”
