Our “Cheers” Celebration Tournament was a Big Success!

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Wow – so much to share – so many people to thank – we will do our best to recap and express appreciation to everyone who helped make our opening event on October 24th at the beautiful Pusch Ridge Golf Course a day full of fun!

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A ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO ALL

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The El Conquistador Golf Team arrived at daybreak to ready the course, organize the carts, greet golfers along with many other details that they skillfully completed! Smooth sailing – BIG THANK YOU’S to this dedicated group of golf professionals! Darryl, Troy, Mark, Brian, Ron, Josh, Steve and many others.   Extra kudos to Mark Thesing and Troy Jewkes for donating their time and expertise as the Pro-Drivers on hole number three!

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Our group of 26 volunteers was led by Tourney Co-Chair, Carolyn Weinig.  By far, the most challenging assignment! Our 7th celebration tourney with every I dotted and T crossed!

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Lunch was catered by the Overlook Restaurant.  They grilled burgers and brats on the patio from 11:30 to 1:00.  Zach – you and your team did an excellent job! Delicious. 

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HIGHLIGHTS!

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Mark Thesing started the morning round with a moment of silence in honor of Rick Messina.  Truly touching – this group has come together as a community of friends well beyond golf. 

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The two rounds came together for lunch on the lawn above the pro shop.  Our guests of honor were Rick’s parents - John and Marlene.   Heartfelt presentations were made by Tony D’Angelo, Darryl Jannise, Chris Cornelison, Mayor Joe Winfield and Anna Bifano (Tourney Co Chair).

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Tony D’Angelo arranged to have Jeff Nicholson demonstrate an adaptive golf cart.  This amazing invention allows individuals to play golf that have lost the use of their legs! One of the many Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf possible projects. 

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The Rick Messina Tranquility Garden was dedicated at the start of the second round. John and Marlene Messina were escorted to the garden along with the Mayor.  Many other golfers and neighbors joined us as well. The Messina’s cut the ribbon, embraced the view, shed tears, and many hugs were shared.  This is truly a community within a community.  The Friends of Pusch Ridge worked with El Conquistador Golf on the project – provided funds, solicited donated plants and along with a local contractor – created a magical space.

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Thank you to our tee prize and door prize donors! Tony & Lisa D’Angelo, Laura & Greg Baldwin, Bill and Kathleen Gardner, SpaWell, Beth Smith, Mary Forsythe, Karen Stingl, Hilton El Conquistador, El Conquistador Golf, Jeannee Yermakoff & Dan Talsma and Sharon Koch. Wow!! Generosity abounds in our community.

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What would be a golf tourney without the winners!?

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Closest to the pin – Men and Women: Alex Cuesta, Sharon Koch, Jon Cook

Longest Drive – Men and Women: Mark Gill, Alex Cuesta, Cyndi Cook. Stephanie Cook

Winning Foursomes: (Stephanie & Jon Cook and Tom & Josh Buckett) (Alex Cuesta, Tony Papariella, Guido Manza, Brian Baird)

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Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who played!

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Cheers to another successful year at Pusch Ridge- Fast, Fun and Affordable.

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With appreciation,

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Carolyn Weinig and Anna Bifano, Tournament Chairs

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf Board and Advisors