The annual Paul Baldacci Memorial Golf Tournament, played two weeks ago at Sable Oaks Golf Course in South Portland, proved to be a success once again. There was another strong turnout, with the event raising more than $15,000 for the Baldacci Family Scholarship Fund at the University of Maine.

“I thought it was the best tournament we’ve had to date,” said Bob Baldacci III, nephew of the tournament’s namesake.

The tournament first was held two years prior to Paul Baldacci’s death in 2006.

“When Paul passed away it gave us an opportunity to honor his legacy and raise as much money for the scholarship as possible. We had 30 teams and a good number of hole sponsorships from companies across Maine. They’ve been with us since the start of the tournament. The donations items were terrific. It’s a great place for the family to come together,” said Baldacci.

The best-known member of the family, Gov. John Baldacci, took part in the tournament once again. Other celebrities playing in the tournament were Bob Stanley, the former Red Sox relief pitcher, and Dale Arnold, a Boston sports radio personality who grew up in Topsham. Arnold was the master of ceremonies at the banquet. Bob Baldacci noted that Stanley has played in every Baldacci tournament.

The tournament continues to grow. “The first year we had eight foursomes,” Baldacci said.

The University of Maine was well represented at the scramble tournament. Outgoing president Robert Kennedy played, as did recently appointed interim athletic director Steve Abbott. UMaine Provost Susan J. Hunter and Amos Orcutt, director of the University of Maine Foundation, also played.

UMaine coaches at the tournament were Ted Woodward, men’s basketball; Cindy Blodgett, women’s basketball; Tim Whitehead, men’s hockey; and Steve Trimper, baseball. Former UMaine basketball and golf coach Skip Chappelle also played in the tournament. He represented the “M” Club.

TEE TO GREEN: Just over a week ago, Scott Dewitt and Keith Patterson won their sixth state two-man championship in the last 12 years by rallying from an eight-shot deficit over the final 18 holes of the two-day tournament with a 10-under 62. They opened with a 72. Six birdies in the better-ball format on the front nine and four more in alternate shot on the back nine gave Dewitt and Patterson a one-shot win over defending champions Jay Plourd and Marc Siewertsen, and Joe Alvarez and Mark Plummer.

Jeff Seavey was the low Maine finisher in this week’s New England Open at Bretton Woods, N.H. Seavey tied for 12th after rounds of 76-73-68–217. Shawn Warren tied for 17th and Bob Darling tied for 19th. Jason Parajeckas of Woburn, Mass., won the tournament by firing a final-round 64 for a three-round total of 9 under.

The Webhannet Golf Club in Kennebunk Beach hosted the first Charity Golf Classic on Friday. Thirty-two teams participated in the scramble tournament. Despite the tough economic climate, the tournament raised close to $50,000 for three local charities that benefit children in York County. The money will be divided among Church Community Outreach Services, Caring Unlimited and York County Shelter Program. Tom’s of Maine and Rambler’s Way were the tournament’s main sponsors.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

 

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