The three-man team of Pieter van Vuuren, Brad Smithson and Jesse Villard navigated the fairways of McMinnville Country Club on Monday to win the 41st annual Industry Appreciation Day Golf Tournament.
The three finished with a winning score of 14-under in the scramble, beating 18 other teams. They showed the ability to drive the ball deep down the fairway while also draining some impressive putts.
Second place went to the fearsome foursome of Adam Wood, Cole Reed, Braxton Patterson and Jim Carden who shot -12. The team finished strong with an eagle after Carden sank a 30-foot putt on No. 5, but it wasn’t enough to catch the leaders.
The third-place finishers were Curt Tilton, Ross Douglas and James Clark at 9-under. Tilton had a strong day off the tee and the team drained four long putts, including a 40-footer on No. 4.
Most teams had four players but a few were left with three due to last-minute cancellations. The teams with three players were allowed to take an extra shot alternating among players to compensate for having one less golfer.
Players were treated to lunch before the tournament and dinner afterward. Two beverage carts were circulating to make sure everyone stayed hydrated.
“The name says it all when it comes to this tournament. It’s industry appreciation,” said Todd Herzog, chair of the Business Roundtable Action Committee, which organized the tournament in conjunction with the Industrial Development Board and Rotary Club.
“The goal is to have a day where we show special appreciation for our industry and the impact it has on our community,” Herzog continued. “It’s truly a day for us to say thank you.”
Herzog pointed out the under-14 winning score is remarkable for a tournament with A, B, C, D format where each team is supposed to have a combination of stronger and weaker players.
“That’s the lowest score in my memory,” said Herzog. “Usually the winning score is between 8 and 10 under.”
There were four players honored for getting closest to the pin. They were Bob Greer on No. 2, Scott Metcalf on No. 7, Jesse Villard on No. 14, and Bill Martin on No. 17.
Longest drive on No. 18 went to Scott Metcalf. They all received cash prizes for their efforts.
To add to the fun, there was a cash drawing at the end of the tournament. Five players won $200 and one player left with a really big smile and the grand prize of $500.
Getting their ticket drawn for a $200 prize were David Marttala, Jon Flanders, Lee Sperlazza, Takayoki Suganoma, and Terry Smith.
Winning the grand prize of $500 was a very happy Marlin Keaton.
