Over 100 people drove, chipped and putted on Monday afternoon as the Swampscott Recreation hosted its annual golf tournament at Tedesco Country Club. The tournament has been held annually for over a decade, and Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia said it’s both a win for the players and a win for the town.
“Because of what the tournament benefits, I think a lot of people are invested in it,” said Daher de Garcia. “We’re grateful for the residents who come out and spend their money to play in this tournament. It’s very generous of them.”
Each year, proceeds raised from the event are used to fund Swampscott’s Independence Day fireworks and celebration.
Clouds were few and far between on Monday and the temperature neared 70 degrees Fahrenheit as participants competed for the first place crown, making it a great day to play 18 holes despite strong gusts of wind.
There were 29 teams of four that took the course, and the quartet of John Morrison, Mike Holbrook, Clarke Grizwald and Lip Shaldoni outperformed the rest to win the tournament.
Along with the golfers and the Tedesco Country Club, Daher de Garcia thanked the many local businesses who sponsored holes for the event. Before taking the course, golfers used tickets to enter raffles for dozens of items and gift cards donated for the event.
Tedesco Country Club is a private golf course and typically can only be played by members. Daher de Garcia said the tournament allows the public to try their hand at the prestigious course.
“Tedesco is very generous to us and has been a partner for a very long time,” said Daher de Garcia. “A lot of the folks that come play have never experienced golfing here. It’s a great way to get people on the course and also benefit the town.”
Another reason the event is a special one for the Recreation Department is because it is so different from most other programming. Daher de Garcia said there aren’t many events that are geared toward golf enthusiasts, and she said it’s great to offer something for them to enjoy.
“We wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the things we do without fundraisers and partnerships like this so we’re always really grateful for partners like Tedesco,” said Daher de Garcia.
