Most people come to Pinecrest Golf Club for a good day on the course. But on April 18th, participants left the 28th Annual NU-HOPE Golf Tournament with much more- a sharper picture of what many local seniors face as they try to hold on to their independence
The NU-HOPE Elder Care Services Golf Tournament is one of the longest running tournaments in the community, and is known for its blend of tough competition, hours of laughter and unique contests, and great raffle prizes. This year, the tradition lived up to its reputation.
The tournament was made possible in large part by Gold Sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. NU-HOPE also recognized Stewart Construction, raffle prize sponsor, and Martz Family Charities and Insight Auctioneers, sponsors of the special competitions, breakfast, and snacks. Corporate team sponsors included Lampe and Keifer Hearing Aid Center, Mid State Dewatering Equipment, Sevigny and Associates Eye Care, Star Turf Farms, SunnySouth Exterminators, and Highlands Radio Group.
Tournament Winners
Flight 1
1st Gross, 56: Nate Greene, Kyle Cunningham, Kris Hodges, Luke Jarvis
1st Net, 56: Mike Sauber, Jordan Bassett, Tony Bassett, Rod Stoats
2nd Net, 56: Matt Wharton, Steve Miller, Chase Cobb, Dan Kline
Flight 2
1st Gross, 58: Ken Danielson, James Goins, Steve Ashworth, Mike Simmons
1st Net, 55: Joe Porter, Abel Hernandez, Wayne Graham, Todd Rogers
2nd Net, 59: Shayne Fassler, Cullen Lovett, Kevin Stoll, Jason Murphy
Flight 3
1st Gross, 60: Alvin Welch, Johnnie McEachren, George Hay, Denny Mathew
1st Net, 54: Duane Lewis, Jason Felter, Johnny Evans, Leo Gonzalez
2nd Net, 55: Jeff Spires, Smokey Smiling, Brian Mason, Dan Sassin
Flight 4
1st Gross, 60: Jim McClelland, Gary Tyson, Cody Dillon, Brad Ellis
1st Net, 52: Ethan Yoder, Axton Bryant, Todd Patterson, Brian Stevenson
2nd Net, 54: Ken Sides, Carl Blair, Shaun Crawford, Billy Kanopa
Special competition winners were Jason Felter for Closest to the Pin, Cullen Lovett for Long Drive, Tyler Hennegar for the Marshmallow Tee Off, and Tim Miller for the Putting Contest. In the top-flight, tied scores were decided by card draw.
While final scores are important, one of the liveliest stops on the course was the Marshmallow Tee Off. For a small fee, golfers could buy a pair of marshmallows and see who could drive it the farthest. Winner Tyler Hennegar, helped by plenty of skill and perhaps, according to course chatter, a very well-timed gust of wind, launched his marshmallow nearly twice as far as the average competitor.
The Putting Contest also carried a message. Competitors putted while wearing goggles designed to simulate significant untreated cataracts, giving them a small taste of the visual challenges that can affect daily life for many older adults. Ann Marie Hesterlee, a NU-HOPE Case Manager who ran that Putting Contest, was impressed by how the unique contest made the golfers think about the challenges of aging. “There was a young man around 14 years of age who was asking a lot of questions of his grandpa about if that is how it felt for him with cataracts. I think it was a real eye opener for him.”
Ann Marie added that the golfers enjoyed participating in the extra competition, adding that one group specifically commented, “They knew that the money was going to a good cause.”
Golfers also took part in a quiz that highlighted the work NU-HOPE does to promote senior well-being and help people remain safe at home. Tim Miller took top honors in the skill contest. Eric Sevigny was the winner of the quiz contest.
After play, golfers gathered at the Sandhill Grill for burgers and fries, awards, and a raffle featuring more than 50 prizes. The prizes ranged from rolling tool cabinets to attraction tickets, overnight stays, restaurant and golf gift cards, and baskets packed with just about everything imaginable. The top prize was valued at nearly $400.
At its heart, the tournament was about more than a leaderboard. It was about reminding the community that growing older often comes with challenges many people never see until they face them themselves. NU-HOPE works every day to help seniors stay independent, informed, connected, and supported.
Just as important, NU-HOPE helps people better understand the quiet barriers that can make daily life harder with age.
Funding for services is provided through grants, special events such as the Golf Tournament, sales at the two NU-HOPE Thrift Stores, and by donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. This support allows NU-HOPE to provide a variety of essential services at either no-cost or for a low, subsidized rate. Such services include home delivered meals, group dining and activities, homemaking, shopping, bathing assistance, caregiver support, respite, supplies, equipment, crisis energy help, and case management.
Anyone who knows a senior or caregiver who may need help is encouraged to call NU-HOPE Elder Care Services at (863) 382-2134.
