More than 100 golfers are expected to participate on Friday in the city treasurer’s annual golf tournament, which will take place at the Nansemond River Golf Club.

Now in its 21st year, Ron Williams says the community feedback has been extremely positive.

Golfers have said “it’s one of the best Hampton Roads golf tournaments they’ve participated in,” Williams said.

Registration will start at 8:30 a.m., and the tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

As a part of tradition, just prior to the tournament, Williams will mark several golf balls and drop them from a helicopter. His objective is to get them as close to the holes on the practice putting green as possible.

The balls that land nearest or in the holes earn their owners $500 each, and that money is often then donated to local organizations and agencies. Williams said he once pocketed seven balls in one flight.

Typically, the tournament raises more than $20,000, according to Williams.

The cause has “supported a lot of agencies that may not have been able to stay open,” Williams said.

For example, the Sickle Cell Association’s Suffolk Office was able to re-open with the help of tournament funds, he noted.

“The reason we do what we do is because they do what they do,” Williams said.

The tournament was inspired in an unlikely fashion.

Shirley Snead, the city’s deputy treasurer, brought up the idea to Williams to host his own tournament.

More than two decades later, the duo hasn’t looked back.

“It’s been one rewarding chapter after another to help people,” Williams said.

Typically, the event attracts about 120 players and between 15 and 20 sponsors.

Bill Reid, chief operating officer at the United Way South Hampton Roads, has played in the tournament for the last 15 or 16 years and has always enjoyed it.

“The tournament is one of the best organized. It’s efficient — it’s just a pleasure to play out there,” Reid said. “The tournament really does mirror United Way, as far as what we do in the community.”

Proceeds from the event will go to local organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Genieve Shelter, King’s Kids and the Sickle Cell Association. Each sponsor donates between $500 and $3,500.

Each team consists of four players competing in three flights. The top two teams in each flight will be awarded $200 and $100, respectively.

“The same players come back every year,” Snead said.

In addition, there will be prizes, a raffle and sponsor gifts awarded.

Both Williams and Snead are excited about the upcoming tournament and hope to continue hosting it for several years to come.

“The players and sponsors we have are committed to the mission we have established,” Williams said.

The cost per golfer is $100 or $400 for a team of four. To register as a player, a team or a sponsor contact Snead at ssnead@suffolkva.us or call 514-4284.