Of the 127 registered golfers, 116 waited out a thunderstorm to participate in Maranatha’s 14th Annual Golf Classic at the Watertown Country Club on May 17. Rain began at 7:00 and delayed the scheduled 9:00 start until after 11:00, and then held off throughout the rest of the day. Cheryl Carlson, who has volunteered at the Classic for the past six years, said it is “always fun, but you never know about the weather.”
As the golfers waited for the weather to clear they enjoyed the fellowship in the newly remodeled clubhouse and participated in a silent auction. Items included autographed sports memorabilia such as a 2012 Packers Football, a Philadelphia 76ers basketball, and a jersey from the US Women’s Soccer team.
David Hockman, Maranatha Bible Professor, said he intended to “chase the (golf) ball around” on the golf course, but he also came to bid on the signed 76ers basketball, which he won. David Moses, Superior Construction, won the signed 2012 World Cup Women’s Soccer Jersey, which he said his two little girls “will love.”
Dr. Mark Poorman (Maranatha Trustee) said he was “really hoping we have a good day so we could beat Dr. Jackson’s foursome.” That was not to be the case.
Dr. Doug Jackson, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Saginaw, Michigan, and Chairman of Maranatha’s Board of Trustees, assembled the winning foursome for the eighth time in nine years. The team of Doug Jackson, Dave Clark, Adam Ray, and Dale Oskey (another Maranatha Trustee) shot a 53-17 under par, and 6 strokes better than the second place team.
The other winner on May 17 was Maranatha. The number of registered golfers exceeded 2012’s 108 by 19 and included 55 new golfers. Thirty-five golfers were present who have played in at least five tournaments, and six individuals who have played in twelve of the fourteen events.
Maranatha Trustee Dr. Michael Dean commented that while the Classic is an excellent way to get to know people in the community, it is also a major fundraiser for Maranatha. Board member Dr. Andy Counterman added, “Any money that comes into Maranatha is a good investment.” This year’s event raised over $18,000 for Maranatha’s Scholarship Fund.
Golfers were positive about the purpose of the classic. “That’s why I’m here,” said Bob Dow, who has been attending the Classic for several years. Kyle Kutz, a senior CPA Accounting major, said he didn’t know that proceeds were going to student scholarships. “It’s neat that…it all goes directly back to the students,” he said.
Golfers described this classic as one of the best so far. Dave Courtney commented, “Everything worked out very well. The volunteers were fantastic. The food was delicious. The greens were beautiful.” The 15th Golf Classic is scheduled for May 16, 2014, at the Watertown Country Club. Please save the date.
A special thank you to those that helped by sponsoring and making the Golf Classic possible. This year’s sponsors for the event were as follows:
Diamond Sponsors
- Jackson-Dawson Communications
Gold Sponsors
- Associated Bank
- BMO Harris Bank
- Community Baptist, Saginaw MI
- Maas Bros. Construction
- Pioneer College Caterers
- Superior Construction
- Tri-North Builders
- Wilber and Associates, PC
Silver Sponsors
- Avoca Bible Church
- Family Dental Practice
- Guetzke & Associates
- TIG Distributing, Inc.
Food & Beverage sponsors
- Glenn’s Market and Catering
- Piggly Wiggly
- Pine Cone Restaurant
Other Sponsors
- Associated Wealth Management & Grinwald Ford – Hole-in-One
- Faith Technologies, Inc. – Grand Prize Table
- Pepsi Cola – Contests
- Town & Country Bank – Photos