Charity golf event benefits golf instructor's son who has autism

WELLINGTON, Fla. - On Friday, friends and family came out to show support for their colleague and friend, Mike Ryan, at a charity golf tournament in Wellington.

Ryan has worked at the Binks Forest Golf Club since the fall of 2007. He heads up all of the instructional programs and camps for junior golfers.

His oldest son, Michael Jr., has battled autism for many years and needs specialized care and treatment that is extremely costly and not covered by insurance.

"I expected maybe thirty or forty people out and a nice little social event, just a little something to help us along the road," said Ryan. "This has just turned out to be something huge, something more than I ever imagined."

"The work that he's done with the kids in the community has just been fantastic," said Jordan Paul. "He's taught both of my sons, he runs the camps. He's really a credit to the club, that why I'm so happy we were able to do this for him and that everybody is supporting him."

All of the proceeds from Friday's golf outing will go to Mike and the Ryan family to help with the care of Michael Jr.