The traditional LINKS Charity has been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Moon Brook Country Club is offering an alternative to still support the cause. P-J file photo

For nearly three decades, LINKS Charity has provided more than $1.5 million of equipment for early detection and treatment of cancer thanks to a golf outing at Moon Brook Country Club that partners local amateurs and LPGA members.

In a press release issued last week, however, chairmen Mary Blair and Elaine Short announced that “in the interest of everyone’s health and well-being,” the 2020 event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are simply too many unknowns to this virus,” Short said. “It’s an easy decision from that standpoint, but we also wanted to have our 29th year.”

Still, Moon Brook CC has offered an opportunity for “LINKS” supporters to participate in an invitation-only, safely-distanced round of golf at the course on July 20 in honor of the 29th anniversary of the tournament. Furthermore, a portion of the golf fee will benefit LINKS Charity.

“The LINKS Charity is such a wonderful organization,” Moon Brook CC pro Ben Windoft said. “With the inability to host their tournament due to COVID-19, it was only right that the folks who have always supported the LINKS had the opportunity to play a round of golf at Moon Brook. COVID has certainly put a damper on so many things this year. We hope that the supporters of the LINKS Charity can use this opportunity to feel like we’re getting back to some sense of normalcy.”

The fee for non-members, which will be collected the day of the event in the pro shop, will be $100 per player, which includes a cart. Moon Brook CC will also donate a portion of the fee to LINKS Charity. The current COVID restrictions require use of single-rider golf carts — the club’s 50 carts will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis — and there will be no food options. Those interested in playing should contact Windoft at ben@moonbrookcc.com to reserve a tee time.

“The relationship between the LINKS Charity and Moon Brook has been nothing but amazing over the last 29 years,” Windoft said. “The opportunity to work together with some of the finest members of our community is a true reward for Moon Brook. Many of the leaders of the LINKS Charity have a deep-rooted history with Moon Brook as members of the club. It’s an honor to continue this relationship. We are anxiously looking forward to the LINKS hosting their 30th anniversary tournament at Moon Brook next year.

Blair is, too.

“We’re very sorry it had to be canceled (next month) and we’re very sorry that we’re not going to see the 25 pros come and play with us, because we enjoy them so very much,” she said, “but we look forward to next year when we’ll be celebrating our 30th.”

With the funds raised in 2020-2021, LINKS Charity has committed to upgrade the Tomosynthesis equipment for early breast cancer detection that it previously purchased for UPMC Chautauqua.

“Mary and I decided before COVID-19 even started to get back to basics and just keep it simple,” Short said. “We proceeded to ask people to chair certain committees and, to a person, they said, ‘Of course.'”

The lead sponsors for LINKS Charity are Truck-Lite and UPMC, while Cummins Engine, Alstar EMS and United Refining Company are the major sponsors.

“The support has always been there,” Short said.