“It is my celebration of golf art history and the legends of the game, preserving the past, bringing it to today and taking it into the future of the Metaverse,” says CR, who lives in Fort Myers, but grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Jack Nicklaus is a family friend.
Golf Channel Host Rich Lerner will moderate a fireside chat at the gala with PGA Tour and Champions Tour Legends Peter Jacobsen, Bernhard Langer, Padraig Harrington and Jeff Maggert. Proceeds will fund First Tee’s new Learning Center which will include a BigShots Golf Driving Range facility and a 12-hole Nicklaus Designs golf course. Obetz’s artwork will also be prominently displayed.
“For me, it’s all about giving back to the game I love, celebrating the history of golf and its legends and leading the way for the future new golfers and citizens of the game,” says CR.
About First Tee Naples/Collier:
The First Tee – Naples/Collier is a chapter of an international positive youth development organization introducing character development to young people via the game of golf. The First Tee has helped shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by teaching values like integrity, honesty, respect, and perseverance. Through its programs, young people discover how skills essential to success on a golf course can also help them flourish in life. To learn more, visit www.firstteenaplescollier.org.
Photo Captions:
First Tee Naples/Collier Learning Center – First Tee-Naples/Collier Learning Center, designed pro bono by MHK Architecture and Planning as well as Freestyle Interiors, will be part of a larger public golf venue which will include a BigShots Golf Driving Range facility and a 12-hole Nicklaus Designs golf course. CR Pixel Portrait – First Tee- Naples/Collier will be auctioning off an original pixel portrait of golf legend, Jack Nicklaus. The portrait was created by Christopher “CR” Obetz, a Fort Myers-based artist, recognized as a pioneer in Pop Golf Art. Anthony Ravielli – First Tee-Naples/Collier will be auctioning off another piece of art created by Christopher “CR” Obetz, an NFT of the original Anthony Ravielli sketch with handwritten notes by Bobby Jones, one of the most influential figures in the history of the game. Proceeds will support the First Tee Naples/Collier Capital Campaign to construct The Learning Center.
