Foundation’s Florida Chapter Golf Tournament Nets $4k

Jack Paxton as auctioneer at the 11th annual Foundation (Florida Chapter) Golf Tournament at Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club, Davenport, Fl.

Sanctuary Ridge, Clermont, FL

In spite of a change of golf courses, an increase in fees and a diminished field of golfers, the 11th annual Foundation (Florida Chapter) Golf Tournament on May 1 can be considered a success.

Florida Chapter President and Tournament Director Red Carpenter reported that,” in spite of a lot of setbacks, we still managed to raise approximately $4,000 for the Foundation.”  He indicated that the money will go to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, Oceanside, CA and to the Foundation scholarship funds.

Carpenter said the tournament had to be moved from its previous site at Ridgewood Lakes to the Sanctuary Ridge GC in Clermont due to contractual difficulties.  “That move probably cost us a dozen or so golfers that would have normally signed on.  Also, when we have a May tournament we also have to consider that many ‘snowbirds’ have already headed north.

“Considering the fact that we are the smallest existing chapter in the Association our small group of workers do a herculean job in running the tournament.  Gene Smith, Tournament Director of the Champions Tour, comes through every year with loads of golf gear that enables us to make a profit from our auction.  We also could not do it without the help of Allen Moore, Hank Ehlbeck, Jack Paxton and our wives.

“I would also be remiss if I did not thank Col. Mary Reinwald, Editor, Leatherneck Magazine for her great assistance each year and to Heineken USA for the product we are able to offer our golfers at no cost.”

The Champs: The first place team (l-r) are Lee Wilmot, Patrick Carpenter, his Dad Red, Bobby Murphy and Chris Woodford. Red presented the trophies and was not a team member.

The Runners-up: Second place (l-r) Mike Harris, Shane Willis, Red, and his son-in-law, Marc Barry.

The Third Place Team (l-r) Jim Paxton, Dusty Rhodes, Randy Blanchard and Bobby Jones, all from the Groves Retirement Community. This is the sixth straight year that Jim Paxton’s team has finished in the top three.