Dave Cavan: The Scottsdale developer was so moved by the recent tsunami tragedy in Sri Lanka that he decided to host a fund-raiser at his Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona. What makes Cavan’s gesture so impressive, and unique, is he plans to raise $1 million for Mission of Mercy, a Christian relief and development agency that will aid those children impacted by the disaster.

“The goal is to have 50 players -- we have 40 right now -- each pay an entry fee of $20,000 to play in this charity event,’’ said Cavan of what might be the largest tournament entry fee ever recorded in Arizona. “I knew I was stepping out on a limb . . . and even I am surprised at how well it’s gone, how many people have stepped forward, and how much money (currently $800,000) we’re going to raise for these kids who really need it.’’

The Hope for Children golf tournament will be played Friday and Saturday at Seven Canyons, a private club being developed by Cavan in the surreal red-rock canyons near Enchantment Resort. Even the course’s architect, Tom Weiskopf, is flying in to take part in the event, Cavan reported.

“It’s all been done through word of mouth, and a little bit through the media -- but no publicity, so to speak,’’ Cavan said of the outpouring. “There’s probably five or six members (from Seven Canyons) who are taking part, and some investors (in Cavan Real Estate Investments). . . . We’ve got groups coming from New York, Detroit, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and even a guy from Sri Lanka, Adam Salmon, who has kept a day-to-day website on this tragedy.’’ (www.asianeducationdevelopment.org.)

Cavan and his wife, Karen, have been personally involved with Mission of Mercy’s projects for the past eight years.

“Believe it or not, our first trip came when I actually won a golf tournament, and the prize was a trip to Calcutta,’’ Cavan explained. “If you saw my golf game, you’d find it hard to believe I would be the winner.’’ But that initial journey opened Cavan’s eyes as to what people can do for those less fortunate, he said.

“For instance, $100,000 will build a school over there. Mission of Mercy is so credible. They feed 20,000 people on the streets of Calcutta every day. And that’s why this golf tournament is so important, because the entire $1 million we raise -- 100 percent -- will go directly to those 3,000 children in Sri Lanka who have been displaced by (the tsunami).’’

Cavan’s genoristy also has caught the eye of the golf community, as Scottsdale pro Tom Lehman donated $20,000 to the effort. And others have followed, like a friend who donated a 1999 Ryder Cup shirt signed by then-American captain Ben Crenshaw, which will be an auction item.

“And there have been contributions from the staff at our office, the staff at Seven Canyons, and the members at my son’s club that have raised another $60,000 to sponsor a few kids from the First Tee of Phoenix program,’’ Cavan pointed out. “That’s pretty neat, kids playing to raise money to help other kids.’’

On his game: “I’ve been playing since I was 5. It started when I lived in Racine, Wisconsin, and played at Shoop Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Back then, it cost 45 cents. Today, I’m a member at Troon Country Club, Desert Highlands, Estancia, Forest Highlands and Seven Canyons. I’m not that good -- an 18 (handicap) -- but I still love the game.’’

Speaking frankly: “Mission of Mercy was founded by a group of businessmen in Colorado Springs, who got together and have raised $100 million in the past 10 years to help kids (in India, Asia and Sri Lanka). What they’ve done is simply amazing.’’

NOTEWOTHY

Inquiring minds: The Golf Summit of Arizona, hosted by the Cactus and Pine Golf Course Superintendents Association and the U.S. Golf Association, will take place March 16 at the Arizona Biltmore. Numerous speakers are on the marquee, including Ruffin Beckwith of Golf 20/20, Jeff Lessig from the Southwest Section of the PGA, and Shawn Connors of the Golf Industry Association. For information or to register, call (480) 609-6778 or visit www.cactusandpine.com.

Final thought: Let’s see, Phil Mickelson jumped past Retief Goosen into the No. 4 spot in the world rankings this week, and Lefty is closing fast on No. 3 Ernie Els. Almost as intriguing, top-ranked Vijay Singh loses major ground to No. 2 Tiger Woods (who doesn’t play) when the big, bad Fijian misses his first cut in 29 tournaments. Is the 2005 season any good, or what?