For the first time, Links O’Tryon hosted Steps to HOPE’s annual golf tournament on Friday, Nov. 4. Twenty-eight teams took to the course for 18 holes of play.

Congratulations to the 2016 Steps to HOPE Golf Tournament champions Phillip Placak, Jeffery Barton, Eric Edwards and Barry Foy with an overall low net score of 58 Net 51.

Overall Low Gross Score was added as recognized winning team this year and was won by the St. Luke’s Hospital foursome made up of Michael Baughman, Don Hofmann, Bill Miller and Bill Hillhouse with a score of 58.

Another new recognition for 2016, the Women’s Winners, comprised of Caroline Brown, Ann Gargiulo, GeorgeAnne Murphy, and Bonnie Sakos who won with a low net score of 75 Net 59.

Winners above were awarded cash prizes, and, re-vamped for 2016, etched glass trophies.

Second place winners included Art Brown, Joe Boals, Dennis Sakos and Dave Truitt with a net score of 64 Net 53. This team was presented with cash prizes and rounds of golf at Links O’Tryon.

Other contest winners were: Closest to the Pin on #4, Harold Wilson; on #7, Craig Leffew; on #15, Sara Lyter; and Closest to the Line on #18, Sarah Holzem and Brian James. These winners received a Callaway or Wilson golf club or a Callaway golf bag.

Again this year, a brand new 2016 Ford Focus was sponsored by Stott’s Ford as the Hole-in-One prize on #12.

New this year, First Citizens Bank sponsored a $5,000 cash prize for a putting contest. Gordie High won the opportunity to putt and came so very close to winning! He was awarded a golf bag donated by Budweiser of Spartanburg for his effort.

The annual golf tournament is the largest fundraiser for Steps to HOPE, the Columbus-based domestic violence and sexual assault center servicing WNC and the upstate of South Carolina. The player registration fee, minus greens and cart fees, and any donations to Steps to HOPE are tax-deductible as defined by law.

Steps to HOPE is greatly appreciative of the overwhelming support shown by the golfers, volunteers, and businesses who not only offer financial support but make donations of gifts for prizes, food and beverages, time, and their talents, to help ensure the success of this event.

Please visit www.stepstohope.org or “like” Steps to HOPE on Facebook to see photos or to stay up-to-date on the happenings at Steps to HOPE. If you need help with a domestic situation or would like to help or get involved with our very important mission, please call 828-894-2340.

– article submitted by Paula Childers