Project MANA - A Hunger Relief Agency

North Lake Tahoe Bonanza:  The weekend's Golf Fore Education was a "blast," according to George LeBard, executive director of Project MANA, one of the non-profits that benefited from the three-day tournament.

"We had a great time, but I'm still recovering," LeBard joked. "I'm not a real golfer, but playing at Montreux was really a lot of fun. It's a very beautiful course."

The event, a collaborative effort between the Incline Schools Academic Excellence Foundation (ISAEF), Project MANA and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), raises money for all three non-profits.

The addition of Montreux on the third day of the tournament was new to this year's tournament and it's a feature the event organizers are hoping to keep for the future.

"We were very lucky to get the chance to play part of the tournament there," ISAEF chairman Bill Horn said. "We learned a lot from this year's tournament and we're looking to add even more to attract a larger number of golfers in the future."

Sharon Kirby of the AAUW called the event "fabulous" and also a success financially.

"The final tally isn't in yet, but I think we surpassed last year's amount," Kirby said. "We were very pleased with the response we got from the community."

LeBard said he had fun from day one, as the event also featured a Mexican themed dinner and auction, along with long-drive competitions, a putting contest and closest to the hole event.

"I think we did learn a lot and we can just grow from this year's event," LeBard said. "We could have used more players, but the ones that were there had a real great time. I should be recovered by next year's event."

Results from the Montreux day of the tournament included First, with a score of 65, Trevor Smith, Todd Disbrow, Tony Robinson and Marcus Newbury.

Second with a score of 68, Frank Garrity, Scott Murray and Will Bertz.

Third, with a score of 7, Steve Sathe, Jeff Clouthier, John Dollar and Don Hollingsworth.

The closest to the hole on number three was Miles Hendrickson, who came within 11'9".

Closest to the hole number seven was Todd Disbrow, who got within 12'11". While closest to hole number 11 was Tracey Saunders at 6'9" and the closest to hole number 16 was Brad Sathe at 8'9".

The longest drive winner for men was Will Bertz, while Pier Warmuth was the winner for the women.

Championship Course high finishers included Mike Fortin, Harry Haaser, Ed Moger, Tom Doutrich, Rod Young, Ron Warren Jr. and George LeBard.

Jack Carrerow
bonanza sports editor