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Rotary Hosts Dr. Gary Pence Invitational Golf Tournament

AHWAHNEE – Chances are it will be a beautiful day for duffers and others on Saturday, June 6, as Oakhurst Sierra Rotary will once again have the pleasure of hosting the Dr. Gary Pence Invitational Golf Tournament at Sierra Meadows Country Club.

“We are very excited about this year’s tournament as it continues to grow,” says Andrew Pence. “There is no better way to celebrate my father’s legacy than with a nice round of golf amongst friends.”

The tournament honors Dr. Gary Pence, a well known and loved community leader and 28 year Rotarian who passed away in 2008, at the age of 59, after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2001.

Organizers say Gary represented the ideals of Rotary and practiced them daily. The event helps local families living with Lou Gerhig’s disease via the Golden West ALS Association chapter, and provides scholarships for kids who want to play in the Mountain Area Youth Soccer League in need of financial support. Andrew Pence estimates that Oakhurst Sierra Rotary has donated over $75,000 to the community from this event.

Gary Pence Invitational Golf 2015“We could not do that without our sponsors and golfers. So whether you golf once a week or once a year, all players and skill levels are welcome as long as you are looking for a good time. The course will be in great shape with the spring rain we have been receiving so come on out an join us.”

The tournament follows a scramble format, with a $95 registration fee that covers 18 holes of golf along with breakfast, lunch, dinner and goodies. Pence gives special thanks to volunteers, sponsors and participants including Tenaya Lodge, Sierra Telephone, Valley Wide Beverage Company, Woody’s Painting and Pizza Factory.

Rotary InternationalGolfers are welcome to sign up as a foursome, twosome, or singles who will be paired by organizers. Those who wish to come just for dinner are welcome to do so for a $20 ticket, and are requested to RSVP so the kitchen has enough steak!

Email Andrew Pence to play, donate or become a sponsor.

Dr. Gary Pence Invitational Golf on Facebook

Dr. Gary Pence owned a dental practice in Oakhurst for more than 25 years and was the town’s first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 2005, and as well as Oakhurst’s first Honorary Mayor. Other titles held by the former band front-man over the years were Eastern Madera County Chamber of Commerce president, Oakhurst’s Man of the Year, and Oakhurst Sierra Rotary president, but his favorite title would have been father, husband, and friend.

One comment

  1. Thanks for the great article. The last paragraph is my favorite.

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