Links O’Tryon hosted Steps to HOPE’s 15th annual Charity Golf Tournament, The Hope Golf Classic, on Friday, Nov. 2. 

With storms in the forecast and gray skies overhead, the 29 teams — 116 players in all — braved the weather and started play on time for the 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. After a heavy, prolonged downpour, the tournament was called for weather around 1 p.m.

Luckily, all teams had played at least halfway through so the tournament winners could be tallied and announced based on their first nine holes played.

The Hope Golf Classic 2018 overall champions were Phillip Placak, Jeffery Barton, Eric Edwards and Barry Foy. This marks the third year in a row this team has taken top honors. 

The women’s winners were Lisa Spriggs, Susan Haldeman, Jenny Taylor and Kris Johnson.

The low gross winners were McDonald’s team, comprised of Dave Hunt, Jerald DeLaGarza, Keith McDonald and Joseph Wantuch. All of the winners above were awarded cash prizes and etched glass trophies.

Entegra Bank’s team, made up of Brian Jones, Craig Gillie, Jessica Justice and Travis Aldred; and Dover MEI’s team, made up of Jared Birdno, Kenneth Davis, Zach Weisenberger and Randy Overturf, tied for second place. 

Closest to the pin winners were Cade Jones, Robert Cochran, Jared Birdno and Georgeanne Murphy, and the most accurate drive winners were Barry Foy and Lisa Spriggs.

The Hope Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser for Steps to HOPE, the Columbus-based domestic violence and sexual assault center servicing western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. The player registration fee, minus greens and cart fees, and any donations to Steps to HOPE are tax-deductible, as defined by law.

Steps to HOPE is greatly appreciative of the overwhelming support shown by golfers, volunteers, businesses, families and individuals who not only offer financial support but make donations of prizes, food and beverages, time, and their talents to help ensure the success of this event, representatives said.

The organization also thanked the golf committee chair, Dave Hunt, and the volunteer coordinator, Rita Nichols. Their hard work and dedication, along with the rest of the committee — Jessica Cashwell, Larry Wassong, Annie Fritschner, Patty Otto, Jay Davies, Kent Holden, Anne Moss, Cindy Gramling, Cindy Wicklund, Paula Ravan, Marc Brady and Cleve Nichols — makes for a fantastic event and is very much appreciated, representatives said.

More images from the tournament are available on the Steps to HOPE Facebook page.

Those interested in learning more or who are involved with or know someone dealing with a domestic situation can call 828-894-2340.

– Submitted by Paula Ravan