WELLSBORO - For the past 22 years, Laurel Health System has united business leaders, amateur golfers, volunteers and golf professionals from all the tri-state area under one common goal: helping the children of Tioga County stay healthy, active and educated.
With sunny skies and an autumn breeze, 96 amateur golfers and 24 professionals took to the course Sept. 17 for the 22nd annual Laurel Health System Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The scratch and scramble tournament was held at Tyoga Country Club.
Through outstanding community support, the Pro-Am Golf tournament has raised more than $379,500 over the years to benefit thousands of local children. Students have the opportunity to pursue healthcare careers on scholarship while youth recreation programs use the funds for necessary grounds upkeep and to buy team uniforms and much-needed equipment, ensuring the programs run safely and effectively.
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From left, the first-place finish went to the team of Jeff Wright and Bob Wheeler, both of Williamsport; professional Judd Carruso, of Bell Springs Golf Club; Todd Coolidge, of Wellsboro; and Steve Johnson, of Williamsport, with a final score of 57.
Recreational organizations in Tioga County interested in applying for money raised at the 2012 tournament should contact the Laurel Health System Development Office at 723-0494. A committee reviews all requests, and funds are awarded based on need.
During the 2012 tournament, Jack Brennan and Mark Wiley snagged first place in the individual professional competition followed by Terry Hatch, Jeff Rupert and Mike Grabosky.
First-place senior golfer was awarded to Brian Boyle and second place to Jim Edmister. Erick Coolidge won the putting contest on Hole 18, and Tim Sinclair walked away with the 50-50 cash prize. Both Sinclair and Coolidge donated half of their winnings back to the Pro-Am.
Closest to the pin was awarded to Ray Ostrom (Hole 5), Clinton Rob (Hole 8), Mike Grabosky (13 Hole pro), Bruce Stahli (Hole 10), and Louis Pasquale (13 Hole amateur). Craig Litchfield claimed the longest putt with his shot on Hole 7. Longest drive was awarded to Nick Semuta (professional), Karen Larson and Diane Wilson (women's long drive), Tom Mitchell (A player), Jeff Butash (B player), Ryan Decker (C player) and Kevin Barron (D player).
This year, the teams battled for birdies and eagles, resulting in a close race for the top five teams. The first-place finish went to the team of Judd Carruso, Todd Coolidge, Steve Johnson, Bob Wheeler and Jeff Wright with a final score of 57. The second-place team of Brian Boyle, Ron Heise, Terry Ginn, J. McDonough and Mary Goodolf finished with 60. Three teams tied for third place with 61: Team 1 of Mark Wiley, Tom Mitchell, Craig West, Ronald Andrykovitch and Jerry Kite; Team 2 of Nick Semuta, Rob Davis, Tom Jones, John Frith and Bob Koehn; and Team 3 of Jim Edmister, Blake Maxson, Charles Newlin, Jim Baker and Preston Erway.
According to Missy Coolidge, director of development, the event raised more than $20,000.
