The LeRoy Walker Golf Tournament, an annual fundraiser for Walker’s alma mater, Benedict College, has been a part of the Columbia golf scene for nearly two decades. But for the first event honoring the late president emeritus of the U.S. Olympic Committee since his death in April, organizer and Benedict golf coach Craig Bowen figured it ought to be something special.

Thus, contestants in the tournament (Oct. 19 at 9 a.m.) not only get to play one of the Midlands’ top courses – the Pete Dye-designed Windermere Club near Blythewood – but also will meet and hear Pete McDaniel, longtime writer for Golf Digest and author of “Uneven Lies,” which chronicles the journey of African-American golfers and was the basis of the 2009 Golf Channel documentary, “Uneven Fairways.”

McDaniel, whose other best-selling works include “Training A Tiger” (co-authored with the late Earl Woods) and Tiger Woods’ instructional book “How I Play Golf,” will appear at the tournament, which begins with a shotgun start. McDaniel also will give the keynote address at the golf tournament’s kickoff banquet and hold a book signing to benefit the Benedict golf program.

The tournament will feature a four-person captain’s choice format with men’s and women’s divisions. Single entrants will be grouped with teams. The event also will have long-drive, closest-to-the-pin, “Beat the Pro” par-3 and putting competitions.

Cost for the tournament is $100 per player or $350 per team, and Bowen said a few spots among the 30 playing teams remain available. The Windermere Club is located at 101 Longtown Road East, accessible via Interstate 77 (exit 22, Killian Road). For information or to register, contact Bowen at (803) 705-4309.