128 golfers braved a day of challenging weather at Quincy Rotary’s 20th annual golf tournament
This foursome, who are regular participants in this golf tournament, were dressed for both the occasion and weather. From the left is Chuck Dyer and Dan Rueger from Dixon, Mike Clements from Brentwood and Forrest Olsen from Chico.Although weather has rarely been much of a factor for the past 19 years, it didn’t come as a complete surprise when this year’s wet winter carried over to the region’s first seasonal kickoff charity golf tournament.
After the long winter, the course was in good shape. Despite the intermittent rain and snow showers that day, 128 golfers gathered at Plumas Pines Golf Resort in Blairsden on May 6 and seemingly enjoyed a full day of golf competing for the honors and prizes in the 20th annual Quincy Rotary Golf Tournament.
On top of the leader board, with a skillful — albeit mulligan-enhanced — 13-under par score of 59 were defending champions Johnny Mansell, Joh Dvorak, Tracy Marcus and Eddie Mutch. The players in this foursome each received a $50 gift certificate and a round of golf for four redeemable at Plumas Pines — a prize package worth over $1,800.
And just missing out on the top honors by two strokes with an equally impressive 11-under par 61 were the team of Nick Bradley, David Whitney, Jesse Hackett and Matt Cruse. Second-place honors earned each a $50 gift certificate and round of golf at Plumas Pines — a prize package valued at $800.
Hole-in-one prizes
With over 500 chances at acing one of the par 3 contest holes this year, the four hole-in-one prizes — a fully-equipped 2023 Polaris Ranger offered by Gott Power Sports and State Farm Insurance in Quincy; two $5,000 cash prizes courtesy put up by Plumas Bank, the two Quincy offices of Edward Jones Investments and Flanigan-Leavitt Insurance and Les Schwab/Curran Tires in Quincy and a $500 Visa card — went unclaimed. The only hole-in-one prize won to date in this tournament, a Polaris ATV, was claimed by Cynthia Thomas in 2018.
Other contests
Besides being a good start to the golfing season, this popular tournament is known for the variety of additional contests and prizes offered during play. It has earned the reputation of not only being competitive for the serious golfers, but fun for the higher handicappers as well.
The men’s and women’s longest-drive winners on hole #9 were David Phillips and Geneva Martinkas. Sponsor Wild Hare Sign Co. of Quincy provided each with a $25 gift certificate to the pro shop.
Cal Sierra Title Co. of Quincy, Graeagle and Chester sponsored the $25 gift certificates for the closest-to-the-hole contest this year on hole #7. Ron Williams won the men’s contest and the ladies went unclaimed.
Landing their drives closest-to-the-rope on hole #17 were Jerimie Barker for the men and Michelle Violett won the ladies prize. The Breaux Group in Quincy sponsored the $25 gift certificates.
Cash Kicker winners
Another highlight at this tournament each year is the $400 cash giveaway, a drawing where skill simply doesn’t matter.
Sponsored once again by tournament co-directors Johnny and Hannah Mansell and Mike and Keri Taborski, the four players who each received a crisp $100 bill were Ricky King, Brian Hagen, Kenny Linson and Kevin Neff.
Sponsors make it possible
Rotary’s corporate sponsors this year included Plumas Pines Golf Resort, Plumas Bank, Mobil Gas and Mini Mart, American Valley Hardware and Bradley and Son Grass Fed Beef.
A number of businesses also support this Rotary Club fundraiser each year by buying advertising space on tee signs. The service club wants to once again acknowledge and thank each of them for their continued support.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Rotary Club’s community service projects and its youth programs and scholarships.
Date changes for future tournaments
Historically this tournament has been played on the first Saturday in May. Moving forward, Rotary has secured the third Saturday in May, which should offer better weather conditions. Next year’s tournament is set for May 18, 2024 again at the Plumas Pines Golf Resort. Entry fee is $100, which includes golf, box lunch and light hors de oeuvres immediately following play prior to the awards ceremony.
