Sold-out field at Bills legend Jim Kelly’s charity golf tournament

BATAVIA, N.Y. — More than a hundred golfers had an early tee time Monday in Batavia, as Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly held his annual charity tournament, raising money for needy Western New York kids.  

It was not your typical Monday morning golf outing at Terry Hills in Batavia, when the shotgun start was kicked off by a football legend. The sold-out tournament raises money for the Kelly for Kids Foundation which was founded 37 years ago by Jim Kelly.

“I thought maybe if I make it 20 years, that’s really good,” he said. “Now here I am, 37 years. It’s hard to believe, but the Lord has plans, that’s to be a difference maker for other people, especially all those kids out there that are suffering or going through some things.”

Kelly says the tournament is like a serious version of Caddyshack. Lots of laughs. Lots of fun. But with a purpose. Over the years raising money for disadvantaged and disabled kids across western New York.

“He does such a great job,” said Therese Forton-Barnes, the self-described “grand puba” of The Water Buffalo Club 716. “What he’s done for the community of western New York is just incredible.”

One charity that benefits from the annual tournament is Hunters Hope, named in honor of Kelly’s late son.

“It definitely gives you motivation, there’s no doubt about it,” said Kelly.  “Because you’re not doing it just to raise money, it’s to be a difference-maker.  And I saw what my son went through every day, and I just don’t want kids to have to go through it.”

The tournament draws celebrities from across sports and entertainment, who are glad to help. The tournament also comes the weekend after the Bills’ first preseason game — a loss to Chicago.

“If you remember back when I played, we didn’t win many preseason games,” said Kelly, who took the Bills to the Super Bowl four times. “I don’t think we had a winning record. But when the chinstraps get buckled, the spikes go on, we’ll see what happens.”

A Monday morning hall of fame quarterback, whose charity tournament has raised more than $7 million for charity through the years.

“That’s awesome,” he said. “Western New York, you can’t ask for anybody better.”