On May 6, 2019, the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce held its 28th Annual Golf Tournament at Holly Tree Country Club. The highly successful event has taken place at Holly Tree for the last fourteen years. Thirty-two teams with four persons per team took part in the 6-hour tournament, making 128 total players. Generally, each team represented a company, but single players also participated by being assigned to a team.
Pat Pomeroy, President/CEO of the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce, stated that the tournament provides funds for Chamber programs. Programs may include educational sessions for both businesses and community, often held during Lunch and Learn events.
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The Mauldin Chamber holds no other major fund-raisers during the year. Although Pat Pomeroy was not with the Chamber when the golf tournament idea originated, she has coordinated the event during her 19-year tenure. The Mauldin chamber has grown from 62 members to 400 members during this time. She feels that the Chamber Mission to serve the Greater Mauldin Area as an advocate for the successful growth and development of each business is complimented by the opportunity of its members and guest to interact in the Annual Golf Tournament.
The Chamber appreciates the overwhelming generosity and camaraderie of their members. An elaborate event such as this golf tournament would not be possible without caring volunteers and numerous donations. The main force behind the scene has been Lawson Scoggins and his wife Linda. Lawson has been with the Chamber for many years. He has tirelessly given his time and contributed financially in prizes to help make this event a success.
28 Chamber member companies or individual members were sponsors on the 18-hole course. They decorated their sites and provided snacks and company information while greeting each team. This networking opportunity plays an important role in the success of this tournament. A silent auction and a raffle were added to the tournament this year. The raffle prizes included a Yeti cooler and a gas grill. The silent auction items included golf bags, laptop computer, artist prints, golf for 4 at local courses, and many other items. One Chamber Member company provided lunch for all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors. Another cooked a pig with all the trimmings. The event even included a wine-tasting area, hole-in-one sponsor, and a putting contest. Reusable bags containing fun donated items were given to each participant. Every participant received a door prize. Door prizes included golf putters, golf balls, bag coolers, college memorabilia, outdoor solar lights, tool bags, battery powered hand drill, and many other items. Altogether, 75 or so volunteers worked very hard to make the golf tournament a resounding and delightful success. Pat says that she is always amazed at how kind people are to give of their time, money, and donations. Everything for this event is accomplished through donations to keep costs minimal.
A waiting list for playing in the golf tournament has become a standard and this year was no exception! If you missed this fun event or didn’t get signed up in time, don’t fear. The 29th Annual Golf Tournament will be held the first Monday in May 2020, May 4th to be exact, at, you guessed it, the Holly Tree Country Club. Pat promises that it will be even bigger and better. So, start practicing and see you then!♦
