Early rain does not put damper on 27th annual Salisbury University Golf Classic

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The 27th annual Salisbury University Golf Classic was contested on Wednesday, May 4 at the River Marsh Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency. A morning of rain and overcast skies could not dampen the spirits of a large group of golfers that had their sights set on low scores and raising key funds in order to fund scholarships for students at Salisbury University.

“Again the support among our sponsors and the teams that came out for this year’s event was outstanding,” said SU Director of Leadership Giving and Stewardship Amy Waters. “The great companies and individuals probably don’t even realize just how much they are helping Salisbury University and its students.”

As the players headed to the first tee, the rain subsided, and no precipitation came throughout the round, with the sun breaking through later in the day.

While the golf was a main draw for the teams on the course, the day was truly about the future of SU. The funds that were raised will help future students benefit from a college education through scholarships and other programs.

The foursome from The Garland Company, Inc., of Todd Holtzner, Jeff Smith, Jason Smith and Chris Cain won the team gross award with a score of 58 this year. The team net score winner went to the foursome from Delmarva Power of John Petito, Chuck Moore, Neil Baker and Joe Nice with a score of 50.37. Phil Bankert from Salisbury Brick won the "Closest to the Pin" contest with Galen Gardner of Dennis Sales taking home honors in the "Longest Drive" competition.

The event also featured a television star in the making as Carl M. Whyte, MBA ’10 played in the event as well. Whyte will be on The Golf Channel’s “The Big Break Indian Wells,” which will have a preview episode this Sunday at 9 p.m., and will debut on May 16, at 9 p.m. Whyte’s team from Long, Badger, Sheller & Smith was the second finisher in the gross competition.

The teams enjoyed lunch provided by Holder Construction and later a dinner catered by Black Diamond Lodge as awards by Robinson's Jewelry & Clock and Chesapeake Screen Printing were presented along with live auction winners.

The Mason Companies were the Gold Sponsor for the event, while the Garland Company served as the Beverage Sponsor for the 27th annual event.

2011 SU Golf Classic Award Winners

Gross Score:
1. The Garland Company, Inc. (Todd Holtzner, Jeff Smith, Jason Smith, Chris Cain) 

2. Long, Badger, Sheller & Smith (Joe Eshbach, Carl Whyte, Paul Cantrell, Tim Brennan) 

Net Score:
1. Delmarva Power (John Petito, Chuck Moore, Neil Baker, Joe Nice)

2. Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (Fred Puente, Jack Grizzard, Kirke Messick, Mike Sebach)

Closest to the Pin: Phil Bankert (Salisbury Brick)

Longest Drive: Galen Gardner (Dennis Sales)