Despite a little rain, golfers turned out in strong numbers for the sixth annual Neponset Park Improvement Best Ball Golf Tournament on Sept. 19 at Hidden Lake Golf Club near Sheffield.

The tournament drew 36 participants who competed throughout the day while helping raise money for improvements to Neponset’s park facilities.

The tournament championship was claimed by the foursome of Steve Sash, Kenny Jones, Greg Sarver and Rodger Hansen, who finished 19-under par with a score of 51. The second-place team consisted of Mitch Milnes, Chase Milnes, Simon Moore and a substitute player for Matt Stabler.

Several golfers also earned individual awards during the event. Greg Sarver won the Ball in the Boat contest, while Kenny Jones and Kelsey Neels captured the men’s and women’s longest drive honors, respectively.

Longest putt winners were Rick Taylor for the men and Mandy Donovan for the women. Mike Estes and Kandy Hansen won the closest-to-the-pin contests for men and women.

Additional prize winners included Larry Mueller, who won the poker run, and Kandy Hansen, who took home the 50/50 drawing prize.
The tournament’s high-scoring team included Chris Donovan, Mandy Donovan, Kaylee Halberg and Eric Wiggim. The men and women’s longest drive went to Kenny Jones and Kelsey Neels. The men and women’s longest put went to Rick Taylor and Mandy Donovan and the men and women closest to the pin was Mike Estes and Kandy Hansen. The ball in the boat winner was Greg Sarver.

Organizers said all winning participants donated their prize money back to the Neponset Park Improvement Fund. Combined with support from participants and sponsors, the tournament raised $3,795 for future park improvements.

Tournament organizers thanked the golfers who participated, along with the many local businesses and individuals who sponsored holes and donated door prizes for the event.