A beautiful course, a good cause ... what could be better?

To a golfer, there's nothing like 18 holes on a great course on a beautiful spring day. Add a chance to watch some of the best in action and know that you're contributing to a good cause, and what could be better?

That's what promises to be on tap starting with the horse race at 4 p.m. today, and continuing Saturday and Sunday with the rest of the 20th annual John Mullen Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

The tournament itself, started by Bernie and Nona Mullen in memory of their son, tees off with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Saturday. John Mullen, who lost his fight against cancer in 1986, was assistant pro at Heritage Hills.

The weather, always a consideration, promises to be nearly ideal with 80s expected Saturday and 70s on Sunday.

We wouldn't bet against hometown pro Justin Herron to repeat last year's championship, but he'll be up against Chris Wiemers, who won in 2006, Jeff Klein, 2005's champ, with many others who have conquered Heritage Hills among this year's field of 29 pros.

Tonight will be special for many young local golfers, who learned their sport under the coaching of the man for whom the Ron Coleman Memorial Horse Race is named. All 29 pros, several of them former Heritage Hills course pros, are entered in the 4 p.m. event, sponsored by friends of the late McCook golf coach.

Winning is a thrill for amateurs and pros alike, but nothing is more important than the work supported by the Community Hospital Health Foundation. Over the past 19 years, the tournament has raised $200,000 for health care programs, equipment and capital projects. That role will continue to be vital as Community Hospital plans for upcoming improvements and expansions.

If you're lucky enough to have found a spot on one of the teams, happy golfing this weekend. If you would just like to see some talented athletes in action, the John Mullen Pro-Am is for you.