Number 25 was well worth the wait – Annual golf event a huge success!
Cheltenham, PA (CLL) – Plenty of firsts occurred at the 25th annual Cheltenham Little League Ron Camp Golf Outing this year.
Held yearly on Columbus Day, this season’s event was postponed for the first-time ever due to inclement weather, pushing our outing back one week. In addition, after 24 years in Pennsylvania, we moved out of state for number 25 to New Jersey and Ron Jaworski’s Ramblewood Country Club.
Despite the delay, over 100 players came out under sunny skies and 70-degree weather to battle it out for bragging rights and to raise much-needed funds for Cheltenham LL.
During this incredibly difficult time due to COVID-19, CLL was forced to cancel its 2020 spring season, which also hindered our fundraising efforts. However, thanks to our generous tournament sponsors and golfers, we were able to raise significant funds to help ease the burden on our league and families.
Sponsors such as the Law Offices of Andrew David Montroy, longtime CLL steward Bruce Rangnow and Leckman Law, not to mention our Golf Ball Sponsor Comcast Business, Barandon & Hollinger Real Estate and Art Gordon Cash Registers really came through. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our Beverage Sponsors, Stuckert Plumbing and Moss Mill Brewing Company.
That’s just a small piece of the puzzle, as many other businesses stepped up and made their presence felt, like Len Garza of Premier Group Insurance, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Luigi’s Pizzaramma II, Fran Martino Insurance, Sixsmith Sporting Goods, Sprinkles Ice Cream Shoppe, Timmy D’s Deli & Catering and Philly Pretzel of Parkwood. “We had a great time,” said long-time sponsor and coach of CLL, Fran Martino. “I thought the venue was very nice and convenient. They were good to us, so let’s keep it there.”
We can go on and on in appreciation of our supporters, but for now…Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
Having our event on the Red and White nines at Ramblewood, one would have thought that the scores would be high, but that certainly was not the case. This year’s champions, Franklin Bryant, Carter Hayes, John Heary and Brian Valunas carded a smooth round of 12-under-par 60 to capture the top spot. “Thanks again to Ron, Phil Sokol, Tim Hassall, Gail Chase and the team for putting the tournament together,” said Bryant. “Everyone in my foursome thought it was a great outing and everyone really enjoyed themselves.”
Finishing one stroke behind were four teams, however placing second after a match of cards was the team from the Cheltenham Police Department, Chief Frye, Jessie Tyler, Roger Newlin and Andrew Henwood.
Our prize holes were hotly contested, as Kirk Anderson finished five feet from the cup to win Closest to the Pin honors and Mike Dixon captured Straightest Drive recognition.
Pete Davis, who ran the CLL Challenger Program for years, came back to play in the event for the first time in several seasons. “My guys really enjoyed it. Everyone gets a prize and that’s the CLL way. What a remarkable turnout for a make-up so late in the season.”
We would be daydreaming if we didn’t mention JC Campoli, who once again took group photos and shots around the course. “Your outing is one of the highlights of our season, as it’s always well run and the players really have a great time.”
The outpouring of sentiments was contagious. “Nice experience as always,” said Mike Barton of Verizon. “Everybody is super nice and it’s fun. Regardless of where it’s held and as long as my schedule can accommodate, I will show up.”
Matt Lawler Sr added, “I thought it was great. The course was beautiful and the lunch and dinner was tremendous.”
First-time golf outing participant John Rumsey continued the accolades. “It was a great day weather wise, a nice course, and I must say, it was well organized and one of the best outings I have played in. Kudos to all that put this together. I will definitely play again next year.”
Probably one of the sincerest comments came from another CLL Coach, Jay Reynolds. “All nine of us had a great time and they appreciated the work that goes into this. This was my first time ever playing a round of golf and I may have just found a new liking since my baseball and softball days are over.”
Finally, our crew of volunteers are as good as they get. Gail and her squad of Kelly Durand, Rachael Fritz, Paul Corbett, Greg Strup, Dave McCarron, Janet Sokol and Mike Sullivan did an amazing job as always.
What more can I say? Plenty, but I’ll leave you with this. I can’t wait till next year, as we have already started planning for XXVI. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
