By Henry Luzzatto

Correspondent

For Gerry Jones Jr., golf isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life.

While most serious golfers spend hours each day practicing at the golf course, Jones plans to break his own personal record of time on the course with next Friday’s Golf-a-Thon event.

“My goal is to play at least 50 holes of golf,” Jones said. “Last year I reached 50, so I want to do even more this year.”

Jones will tee off at Nansemond River Golf Course at 7:30 in the morning to start the Golf-a-Thon, which will raise money for the First Tee of Hampton Roads.

Jones, who has been involved in golf with the First Tee since he was 4 years old, said the charity event gives him a chance to give back to the organization, which helps youths develop golf skills and personal character.

“I wanted to raise money for them because the organization has given me so much in the past,” Jones said. “I want to help the program grow as much as possible.”

After teeing off in the morning, Jones will make the move from Nansemond River to the First Tee Course in Virginia Beach to tee off at 1:30 p.m. He will continue his Golf-a-Thon at the First Tee Course, before concluding with a cookout to celebrate. Jones said the cookout will offer a chance for some of the younger First Tee golfers to join him and support the organization.

“I think it’s very important to get the younger people involved,” Jones said.

Jones put together the Golf-a-Thon last year when he wanted a chance to raise money for the First Tee of Hampton Roads. The event is operated through the American Junior Golf Association Leadership Links Program, which allows young athletes to set up golf-based fundraisers for their charity of choice.

Last year, Jones set a goal of raising $1,000, but he surpassed it by raising more than $6,500.

“It was my first time last year, so I set a smaller goal,” he said. “It went a lot better than expected.”

This year, Jones has set a goal of $5,000. As of now, he has raised a little more than $1,000.

Patrons can make a one-time donation or can donate an amount of money per hole that Jones completes during the event.

Jones said the money will go to obtaining equipment for younger players and will help fund scholarships the First Tee distributes.

Jones said he finished last year’s 50-hole event at about 7 p.m., meaning the Golf-a-Thon took about 12 hours to complete.

Even though the event may seem arduous to the average person, Jones said he enjoys the long day on the golf course.

“It doesn’t drain me too much,” he said. “It’s actually pretty fun to do it and see how many holes I can play.”

Jones also added that he will be playing in a tournament the week of the Golf-a-Thon, which he hopes will keep him in shape.

In addition to his fundraising efforts for the First Tee of Hampton Roads, Jones is a star golfer in his own right.

Jones has made several appearances on the international stage despite being only 15. He has played alongside professional golfers as well as participated in and won a variety of tournaments.

Jones also serves as a mentor and teacher at the First Tee, helping young golfers develop their love of the sport. He will continue his work with the organization by running an equipment drive in October.

Since Jones first became involved with the First Tee of Hampton Roads 12 years ago, it has become a huge part of his life and his development as a person, he said. Because of this, he strives to help the organization however he can.

“The main thing I like about the First Tee are their core values and how they apply to golf and life,” Jones said. “I learned how they all worked together and applied to golf and life. I want to give back and help younger golfers have that same experience.”