Blue skies and lush green turf set the backdrop for a friendly competition among more than 100 players who gathered for a round of golf on Tuesday afternoon (June 21) to raise money for students at Lander University.
The 3rd Annual Samuel Lander Golf Classic featured a shotgun start, scattering 27 teams across the 18-hole lakeside course of The Links at Stoney Point.
Coordinated by the Lander Alumni Association, the annual golf tournament is an effort to help support students by providing assistance with scholarships, academic programs, Bearcat Athletics and other needs of The Lander Foundation.
"This has been a wonderful event and is one of the most successful fundraisers we've had," commented Van Taylor, interim vice president for University Advancement and executive director of The Lander Foundation. "We've increased the number of teams and are very thankful to our sponsors."
Final scorecards showed only five strokes separating the winning and third-place foursomes. Taking home bragging rights as tournament champions were Lander Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff May, Lander class of 1973, Jim Moneyhun, Bill Lloyd and Joseph Lloyd.
Second place went to Brian Vahjen '02, Walter Roark, Charlie Lloyd and Chez Gosnell '13. Finishing third was Mark Riddle '84, Steve Lee '83, Dan Wideman and Steve Grogan '80. The prize for longest drive went to Walter Roark, and closest to the pin was Wes Constable.
This year's tournament raised approximately $10,000. To learn more about the Forever Lander Excellence Fund, contact The Lander Foundation by calling (864) 388-8350.