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- Category: Past Issues
Rotary golf
tourney raises
$27,000-plus
By Doc Cody
Featuring the largest field in the more than 20-year history of its tournament, 148 golfers teed off in the Putnam Rotary Club Golf Tournament June 3 at Connecticut National Golf Club, according to event chairman Ronald P. Coderre. The tournament, which benefits the Rotary Clubs scholarship and charitable endeavors, is expected to raise more than $27,000, yet another record.
“The growing support of this tournament is representative of the way the community feels about the good deeds of our club. We’re most appreciative of the support we receive not only on this day but throughout the year,” said Rotary Club President Joyce Duff.
The 2011 champions in the scramble-style event was the team representing The Center for Bone & Joint Care, comprised of Don St. Onge, Tom Harney, Bill Poirier and Tom Morway. They recorded a blistering 15 under par score of 57.
Second place went to the 2009 and 2010 champions Matt Pio, Bret Sierkiersk, Steve Wolak and Eric Thorestenson III with a score of 58. The team was sponsored by Aileen Witkowski. Finishing in the third slot was the team from The Gold Eagle at The Laurel House with a card of 61. The foursome was comprised of Ray, Seth, Justin and Ed Morrissette.
The net title went the to the RPC Associates foursome of Ron Coderre, Nick Scola, Tom Chenail and David Oatley with a score of
49.78. They were followed by the Archambault Insurance group of Marc Archambault, Brad Cheney, Jack Petrone and John Rauh with a score of 51.83. The show place went to the Rawson Materials team of Jeff Rawson, Earl Rosebrooks, Jim Logsdon and John Eklund at 52.30.
The Newell D. Hale foundation team of Laurence Hale, Jim Scherer, Rich Schad and Rick Hayes were awarded the “middle of the pack” prize for being the team with the gross score finishing in 19th among the 37 entries.
“The success of our tournament is directly attributed to several factors,” said President Duff. “Our players and sponsors truly make our effort worthwhile, but we also thank our numerous volunteers, led by Paul Aldrich and Diane Bates for the time they dedicate to the success of the day,” Duff added.
Closest to the pin winners were Garrett Chace (4th Hole), Bill Poirier (7th Hole), Nick Scola (9th Hole), Steve Wolak (11th Hole) and Matt Pio (15th Hole). The Skins competition with a prize of $500 was captured by the Morrissette foursome. They won with an eagle 3 on the par five, 527 yard, 12th hole. The winner of the “golf poker” game was Putnam’s Mike Lajeunesse with a hand of four Jacks.
Tournament chairman Ronald P. Coderre said, “When you speak of perfect golf days, this day has to rank in the Top Ten. The weather was perfect. The crowd was fantastic. The Connecticut National course and staff headed by golf pro Jim West was outstanding. And to net $27,000 for our scholarships and charitable contributions, make this a truly fantastic day.”
A post-tournament auction featuring a one-week stay at a home at Moss Creek Plantation in Hilton Head, S.C., owned and donated to Rotary by owners Kevin and Michelle Lengyel garnered a winning bid of $1100, while an 18-hole playing lesson with Connecticut National golf pro Jim West went for $350.
The Putnam Rotary Club has been in existence for more than 75 years. It serves the communities of Putnam Thompson, Woodstock, Pomfret and Eastford. The golf tournament has been in existence for more than 20 years and in the last four years has netted a total of more than $100,000 toward the club’s community endeavors.