Santa's Open Golf Tournament Raises Money for Big Brothers Big Sisters
Area golfers enjoyed golf and holiday cheer at the Santa’s Open Charity Golf Tournament, held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ocean Pines Golf Club.
The event, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, raised over $8,600 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore and collected a variety of gifts for area children in need. This year marks the fifth consecutive year the Santa’s Open has been held at Ocean Pines.
Ocean Pines Golf Club PGA Director of Golf John Malinowski was instrumental in bringing the annual tournament to the course.
“I had worked with the Santa’s Open for several years prior to my coming to Ocean Pines and was excited to bring the event to this course,” Malinowski said. “I’m proud of how the Ocean Pines community has rallied around the tournament and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore year after year.”
Presented by title sponsor Delmarva Power, this year’s event saw close to 90 golfers and numerous area businesses participate. Four-person teams competed for first-, second- and third-place low gross; first-, second- and third-place low net and closest to the pin. Awards were presented at a reception ceremony at the Tern Grille at Ocean Pines Golf Club following the tournament.
Register Now for Santa's Open Golf Tournament
Area golfers can enjoy golf, fun and holiday cheer at the 25th annual Santa’s Open golf tournament to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ocean Pines Golf Club.
The day will include golf as well as Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast, Santa’s Cheer Cart, Rudolph’s Reception and contests. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the tournament will begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start. A reception and awards will follow at 3 p.m.
The fee per golfer is $75 if registration is received by Nov. 27 or $85 at the door. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, breakfast, contests, golfer gift and post-tournament reception. Each golfer is also asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child ages 7-17.
Bavarian Hops Golf Match Raises Money for Charity
What started out 12 years ago as a fun afternoon of golf for local players has evolved into an annual event that has raised over $20,000 for charitable organizations.
A much-anticipated tournament at Ocean Pines Golf Club, the Bavarian Hops Match – or the “beer match” to its many enthusiastic supporters – was the brainchild of Ocean Pines golf member and resident Ernie Stiles, who wanted to introduce a fun event at the course similar to some he had experienced up north.
“The whole intention was just to have fun with it,” Stiles said. He said he wanted players to enjoy some beer, play some golf and “bust and heckle” each other.
Junior Golf Going Strong in Ocean Pines
Junior golf continues to grow at Ocean Pines Golf Club, where record-breaking participation and support from local organizations this past year has meant that more young golfers are enjoying the sport than ever before.
The cornerstone of the junior golf program – summer golf camp – has continued to grow over the past five years. The camp’s blend of instruction, food and fun has paid off. This past summer, 131 golfers participated in four sessions of the four-day camps, the most ever. In fact, all four sessions sold out.
Ocean Pines Golf Club also offers junior clinics in the fall and spring. The clinics have also proven popular, necessitating additional sessions to accommodate the demand.
Ocean Pines PGA Director of Golf John Malinowski said he’s seen a change in the people participating in junior golf programs. “I’ve noticed that more parents are signing kids up for clinics and camps because they’re excited about seeing them involved in golf itself, not just because they’re looking for a summer activity,” he said.
The rise in junior participation at the course has created a need for more equipment, something that local golf groups have been eager to support.
Ocean Pines Women Golfers Hold Governors’ Cup Championship
The Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association held its Governors’ Cup championship on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Ocean Pines Golf Club.
The winner of this year’s net-score tournament was Deb Schwertner. Other flight winners included Diana Earhart, Light Henderson, Susan Morris, Frankie Gomsak and Joan Sarisky.