Scotland Hospice golf tournament blows past fundraising goal

Scotland Hospice golf tournament blows past fundraising goal

LAURINBURG — After returning from a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, and a five-month postponement in 2021, the 36th edition of the Scotland Regional Hospice golf tournament nearly set a new fundraising record. 

On May 3 and 4, hundreds of supporters gathered at Scotch Meadows Country Club for the two-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, South Carolina 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 20th 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 No. 2 – Todd Stubbs

Closest to the pin Hole No. 7 – Greg Baines

Closest to the pin Hole No.12 – Mike Chidester

Closest to the pin Hole No. 17 – Kendra Muir

Longest Putt Hole No. 9 – Kyle Bethel

Longest Putt Hole No. 18 – Kyle Bethel

Wednesday

Closest to the pin Hole No. 2 – Marcus White

Closest to the pin Hole No. 7 – Kendall Ritter

Closest to the pin Hole No. 12 – Garry McMillan

Closest to the pin Hole No. 17 – Bobby Hinson

Longest Putt Hole No. 9 – Ted Rogers

Longest Putt Hole No. 18 – Dean Nichols

Ladies Division Winners

Gross

2nd – Sheila Ryan 83

1st – Kendra Muir 70

Net

2nd – Mary Tatum 72

1st – BJ Clark 65

Team Competition

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

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

Men’s Division Winners

Gross

6th – Russell Dean 72

5th – Andy Bare 71

4th – Joel Hartwell 69

3rd – Drew Walters 69

2nd – Anthony Spivey 69

1st – Will Morgan 67

Net

6th – Calvin Hammonds 65

5th – Thomas Willis 65

4th – Tommy Black 64

3rd – Paul Rush 63

2nd – Aaron Watts 63

1st – Brian Foshay 63

Team Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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