Hospice golf tournament blows past fundraising goal

After returning from a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, and a five-month postponement in 2021, the 36^th edition of the Scotland Regional Hospice golf tournament nearly set a new fundraising record.  On May 3^rd and 4^th, hundreds of supporters gathered at Scotch Meadows Country Club for the 2-day charity golf event sponsored annually by Eaton Golf Pride.  At the tournament’s closing ceremony, it was revealed that $194,832 had been raised – over $70,000 more than the 2021 tournament and just a little over $4,000 shy of the tournament’s all-time record.

The tournament, typically held in April or May, was played in September last year due to COVID-19 related delays.  When tournament organizers decided to return the event to its regular spring timeslot, there was some concern that the short turnaround time may negatively impact participation.  However, that was not the case.

“I’m blown away by the support,” shared Bunny Hasty, Scotland Regional Hospice volunteer coordinator.  “We were just asking these sponsors and silent auction contributors for their support for last year’s tournament, and we had to start asking them again just a few months later.  Everyone seems excited to be able to help.”

It took the participation of 142 sponsors, 188 golfers, 60 volunteers, and over 100 in-kind contributors to help the tournament reach its highest total in nearly two decades – the second highest total in tournament history.  Volunteer tournament committee members Laura Adams, Ruby Williamson, Mary Jo Adams, Kim Sheppard, Deane Pullen, Anna McMillan, and Bill Hill contacted hundreds of area businesses and individuals to recruit sponsors collecting $105,000 in sponsorships which far exceeded its $80,000 goal and included donations from 21 first-time sponsors.

All proceeds from the event are used to provide patient and family care to those served by Scotland Regional Hospice.  As a non-profit hospice provider, the organization offers compassionate, end-of-life care to all who need it – regardless of their ability to pay.

While the biggest part of the fundraising total comes from area businesses and individuals who sponsor the tournament, the accompanying silent auction also contributes to the tournament’s success. The 2022 auction featured over 250 items including autographed balls and other sports memorabilia, handmade furniture, artwork, golf equipment, and much more.

In addition to the fundraising total reveal, the 2022 tournament featured another exciting occurrence.  Between holes 9 and 10, golfers have the opportunity to participate in a putting challenge.  The putting challenge is a staple of the event and is one of several in-tournament competitions that takes place throughout the day.  Between holes 9 and 10, participating golfers can win $5,000 by successfully sinking consecutive puts of 10, 30, and 60 feet.  This year, Tommy Wright of Chesterfield, SC became only the second golfer in tournament history to win the cash prize.

Other in-tournament competitions include closest to the pin, longest putt, dream drive, and a hole-in-one for a car challenge made possible by Wade S. Dunbar Insurance Agency and Scotland Motors.

The event concluded following play on Wednesday with the post-tournament celebration.  Attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, sponsor recognition, live auction, and music from The Jim Morgan Jazz Group.  Also part of the closing ceremony was the 20^th Annual Lawson’s Gift raffle drawing.  Each year, Bob’s Jewel Shop of Laurinburg donates jewelry in memory of Lawson McCabe to be raffled off as part of the event.  This year’s winners of a beautiful diamond, heart-shaped pendant were long-time hospice supporters Dean and Candy Nichols.

“We want to thank everyone who contributed to the event in any way,” shared Deon Cranford, Scotland Regional Hospice director of public relations.  “When you are able to actually see the results of months of work come together at Scotch Meadows, you begin to realize just how big this event actually is.  Hundreds of people donate their time, money, and talents to making our tournament possible.  That’s not including those who support us by simply coming out to enjoy a game they love.”

“Every contribution, big and small, is appreciated and helps us to fulfill the mission of hospice.  What’s awesome about being a community-supported organization in a rural area is that our supporters can see the money in action.  Many of our supporters have been on, or know someone who has been on, the receiving end of our services.  They want to help and many offer before we even ask.  It’s a beautiful thing to witness and experience and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

Tournament Winners include:

Tommy Wright – Putting Challenge Winner

Tuesday

Closest to the pin Hole #2 – Todd Stubbs

Closest to the pin Hole #7 – Greg Baines

Closest to the pin Hole #12 – Mike Chidester

Closest to the pin Hole #17 – Kendra Muir

Longest Putt Hole #9 – Kyle Bethel

Longest Putt Hole #18 – Kyle Bethel

Wednesday

Closest to the pin Hole #2 – Marcus White

Closest to the pin Hole #7 – Kendall Ritter

Closest to the pin Hole #12 – Garry McMillan

Closest to the pin Hole #17 – Bobby Hinson

Longest Putt Hole #9 – Ted Rogers

Longest Putt Hole #18 – Dean Nichols

Ladies Division Winners

Gross

2^nd – Sheila Ryan 83

1^st – Kendra Muir 70

Net

2^nd – Mary Tatum 72

1^st – BJ Clark 65

Team Competition

2^nd – Jo Caldwell, Bev Thompson, Marie Mackey, and Angie Garvin 129

1^st – Kellie Caldwell, Anna McMillan, Connie Keith, BJ Clark 122

Mens Division Winners

Gross

6^th – Russell Dean 72

5^th – Andy Bare 71

4^th – Joel Hartwell 69

3^rd – Drew Walters 69

2^nd – Anthony Spivey 69

1^st – Will Morgan 67

Net

6^th – Calvin Hammonds 65

5^th – Thomas Willis 65

4^th – Tommy Black 64

3^rd – Paul Rush 63

2^nd – Aaron Watts 63

1^st – Brian Foshay 63

Team Competition

6^th – Mike Little, Chris Hogan, Ricky Hogan, Bill Short 121

5^th – Eldon Presnell, Terry Graves, Randy Graves, Ed O’Neil 121

4^th – John Williamson, Ruby Williamson, Hamrick McLean, Mary Ann McLean 121

3^rd – Mac McIntyre, Papa Williams, Matt McIntyre, Corey McIntyre 118

2^nd – Aaron Watts, Drew Walters, Raymond Sides, Hubie Meggs 114

1^st – Doug Morton, Troy Hunter, James Weaver, Boyd McLaurin