Women in Film set for 9th annual Celebrity Golf Classic

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Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert from TV’s “The Unit” is the honorary chair of the fundraiser. Money raised will go toward Women in Film’s many philanthropic programs.

By Jonathan Friedman / Assistant Editor

Women in Film is promising another star-studded thrill with the ninth edition of its annual Malibu Celebrity Golf Classic. The event, which will take place on July 8 at the Malibu Country Club, raises money for Women in Film, an organization that supports women in the industry through a variety of ways and raises awareness on many social issues.

Dennis Haysbert, who stars as Jonas Blane in the television action drama “The Unit,” will serve as the event’s honorary chair.

“I love women and I love Women in Film,” said Haysbert, who is also familiar to television viewers from his former role as President David Palmer on “24” and for being the Allstate spokesperson. “Women are an important part to making movies. Their point of view is needed.”

Haysbert said he is pleased Women in Film helps females in the industry through its grants, mentor programs and scholarships. “The women of tomorrow are coming from many places. They’re going to need help; the young actresses and those behind the scenes. Women in Film helps in all those categories.”

The actor did not have to be persuaded too much to participate in the golf event. Haysbert enjoys the game, and with a 15 handicap, he was ranked by Golf Digest in December at No. 54 in its “Hollywood’s Top 100.”

“I’ve been playing golf seriously for at least 10 years,” Haysbert said. “My handicap goes up and down, depending on how often I get to play… I’m ranked No. 54, I need to climb up the ladder.”

In addition to his work on television, Haysbert also has had a long movie career, with roles in films such as “Major League” and “Jarhead.” He is starring in “Breach,” a movie coming out later this year about Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent who was convicted in 2002 of selling secrets to the Soviet Union over a 15-year period.

And probably Haysbert’s biggest role ever will be seen next year, when the film “Goodbye Bafana” is released, starring Haysbert as Nelson Mandela.

“That was very intense and very gratifying,” Haysbert said about playing the part in the movie, which recently ended filming.

Other stars will also be at the golf tournament, an event that has quickly become a popular occasion.

“In the past, we’ve had many of our local celebrities come out and support our local organization,” said Candace Bowen, the event chair and vice president of membership for Women in Film.

This year’s tournament features teams of four and a shotgun start, with the groups teeing off simultaneously at different holes throughout the course. There will be a scramble scoring system, meaning despite individually teeing off, the players reposition their balls to where the team’s best shot sits, and play from there. This type of format allows the least-skilled golfer the opportunity to succeed.

The event will also include a golf clinic from the LPGA’s Vicki Fergon. Additionally, there will be a lunch provided by In-N-Out Burger and a dinner and awards ceremony at night. If anybody manages to score a hole in one during the tournament, the person will receive a GM car.

Women in Film, which has grown to a worldwide membership of more than 10,000, was founded in 1973 by former Hollywood Reporter editor-in-chief Tichi Wilkerson Kassel and eight other women who had ties to the film industry. In addition to the organization’s many programs to help women, it creates public service announcements on issues such as breast cancer, domestic abuse, literacy and AIDS.

The Malibu chapter of Women in Film holds a monthly breakfast networking program, which allows members to meet each other and listen to famous speakers from the industry.

Tournament registration will take place at 12 p.m. on the day of the event. Play begins at 1:15 p.m. For more information on how to participate or become a sponsor, contact Bowen at candace@malibuonline.com or by calling 457.8664.