The Albert “Cookie” DeLory Memorial Golf Tournament’s popularity recently surfaced like never before.

So much, in fact, the organizing committee was overwhelmed when in only its third year the nine-hole 76-player field was completely sold out within 48 hours of its annual invitation notice.

“We knew from the first two years people loved this event,” offered Co-Chairman Richard DeLory, son of the late and beloved “Elk for all seasons and reasons” as Cookie was known. “We want to thank everyone for their continued support.”

Meanwhile, Robert “Bob” Hartington, a Past Exalted Ruler for the sponsoring Tri-City Elks Lodge added: “Everyone loved Cookie and that’s obvious by the extraordinary support and help we have received in the first two tournaments.”

Likewise, as a message printed on the tournament invitation reads: “We are committed to making this a very worthwhile event: fun for all attendance while aiding local causes that were near and dear to Cookie.”

So, as noted 78 golfers will tee it up on Friday, Sept. 15 at Harbor Lights Golf Club in Warwick Neck in hopes of helping achieve the 2023 Cookie III goal of donating to important non-profits as well as the impressive Albert “Cookie” DeLory Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The organizing committee recently announced that this year’s proceeds will be donated in Cookie’s name and memory to Operation Stand Down that’s based in Johnston and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank located on Niantic Avenue Cranston.

Likewise, Cookie Memorial III will help support the scholarship fund which is designed to help a boy and girl who are relative of Tri-City Elks members and meet certain criteria such as going to a school to learn a trade as opposed to attending a two- or four-year college.

Finally, Cookie Memorial III will wrap up on Sept. 15 when players and others attend the always fun-filled post tourney Steak Fry and raffle that last year sent 82 people home with valuable prizes such as a full set off clubs. Steak Fry dinner tickets at $25 each and must be purchased in advance.

Anyone who’d like to help support the event with special signage should call Rich DeLory at (401) 479-0429 or Hartington at (401) 601-6356.