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
