AHWAHNEE – Get ready to tee it up on Saturday, June 7, as Sierra Meadows Country Club hosts the annual Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Dr. Gary Pence Invitational, with homemade breakfast burritos, eye opener and registration at 8 a.m.. followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
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 the event helps local families living with Lou Gerhig’s disease and provides scholarships for kids who want to play in the Mountain Area Youth Soccer League and need financial support.
Dr. 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.
“This is a day full of great people, great food and lots of fun,” says Andrew Pence. “My father was an avid golfer, and there is no better way to celebrate him than with a round of golf with friends, and support what he was passionate about: Rotary, and this community.”
The tournament follows a scramble format, with a $95 registration fee that covers 18 holes of golf along with breakfast, lunch and large steak dinner. Participants also receive a Tee Bag and have the chance to win a $25,000 Hole in One contest sponsored by Emadco, a $1,000,000 shootout sponsored by Macauley and Associates, and $2,500 in the putting contest sponsored by W.J. Bradley Mortgage.
Golfers 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!
“You don’t need to be a golfer to play,” continues Andrew. “We have many participants who say ‘this is the only time I golf all year!’ Please come on out and join us for a wonderful day, we would love to have you.”
Other sponsors of the tournament include Sierra Tel, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, Woody’s Painting, and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians.
Email Andrew Pence to play, donate a raffle prize or become a sponsor.
