First Annual MAC Golf Tourney

Marian Hills Golf Course was host to 48 golfers who came to support the Malta Athletic Club for their First Annual Golf Tournament despite temperatures rising above a sweltering 100 degrees in the afternoon.

"It's not a bad turnout for our first tournament," Malta Athletic Club President Greg Skiff told the PCN. "It's going to get bigger."

Close to $2500 was raised for the Malta Athletic Club that day.

Kris Kuehn, the Superintendent of Malta Public Schools was among the golfers that day. He and many other educators throughout the area work with the Malta Athletic Club.

"We are always very appreciative of the efforts of the Malta Athletic Club in not only the way they support the youth in Malta but in all of Phillips County," Kuehn said. "It's just a great way to get out and spend the day to help do some fundraising."

Kuehn was feeling well about the event after his team finished their first hole.

"We finished our first hole and we got a par on the first one, so we are not far behind the eight ball," Kuehn said. "Cory Shelhamer has this place in better shape than any course that I have ever played in this state. It may be the best course I have ever played at, period."

The four-man team consisting of Tony Kindle, Gordon Webb, Cory Shelhamer and Jacob Jacobson won the first annual team scramble event.

In their front nine, Webb nearly had a hole in one on hole four, which features a water hazard.

"It looked good from back there," Webb said of his drive.

Webb mentioned that his drive nearly didn't count because of a fun twist that involved a roll of the dice after the hit.

Tasha Hines and Leslie Schipman were the "Dice Girls," who rolled a six-sided die after golfers drove their first hits on hole four and hole seven.

Webb's drive would've been used if they rolled a "1," but the Dice Girls rolled a two. So the golfers paid for another roll and then another.

"We rolled a two about three or four times in a row," Webb said. "We had to pay for it and it was $20 a roll. We finally got a one. It's for a good cause."

Being a former Mustang golf standout, Webb had a chance to help a foundation that has helped him growing up.

"It's nice to contribute because back in the day they always had fundraisers for us and they supported us," Webb said. "It's nice to come out and support the Foundation. It's fun and it's for a good cause."

The team consisting of Travis Somerfeld, Casey Coty, Jace Anderson and Ryan Tangedal took second place. Kelly Murray, Chris Pappas, Craig Stiles and Kirk Stiles took third.

CJ Bishop and Amy Simonson won the derby that was held after the team tournament.

"We raise money and put it back into youth activities," Skiff said. "For stuff to help the kids in sports or music or whatever else (they may need)."

Skiff went on to say that some of the money went towards wrestling gear this past school year.

"The Malta Athletic Club and Malta Public Schools tag-teamed and bought two new mats for the wrestlers," Skiff said.

Future projects include an upgrade to Murray Field, a field that is primarily used for various middle school football and track practices.

"We are going to help do a shed at Murray field, so the kids have somewhere to change and put their equipment," Skiff said.

Skiff admired the course that day, praising the state of the venue.

"We would like to thank Jane Ereaux and Cory Shelhamer for the use of the golf course," he said. "The course is in excellent condition. Cory does a phenomenal job getting everything going. I feel that Marian Hills is one of the best looking nine hole golf courses, if not the best."