The Don Martin Classic, held each June at Prouts Neck Country Club in Scarborough, has grown in popularity in its five-year history. The tournament already has a waiting list for next year, according to its director, Gregg Frame.
This year’s tournament had 120 players and 70 volunteers.
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The tournament is named for Don Martin, who died suddenly in 2006 at 63. The large turnout, in players and volunteers, is a reflection of the regard people had for Martin and the tournament charities.
Martin was active in the Scarborough community, and before that in Waterville, where his family lived before moving south. Martin also was active in his church, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church of Scarborough, which is one of the tournament charities. The other is Project G.R.A.C.E., which stands for Granting Resources and Assistance through Community Effort.
“Project G.R.A.C.E. is a Scarborough-based charity that provides assistance for a range of things for people in Scarborough,” said Frame, Martin’s son-in-law.
When families have a tough time making ends meet, Project G.R.A.C.E. helps after a request. The charity might aid with things such as helping a family pay for heating oil, food, school supplies, clothes and other necessities.
Martin ran the St. Nicholas charity golf tournament.
“When Don died, the family discussed continuing the event, renaming it and partnering with Project G.R.A.C.E.,” said Frame. “The Don Martin Classic was hatched without any idea or hope for its current scope. Project G.R.A.C.E. is close to Don and his wife, Barb. It’s been a wonderful partner.
“Despite the challenges of weather and the economy, we have managed to survive and thrive. Players came from California, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, and all the New England states for the tournament. It’s a low- key affair where everyone has a fun time, enjoys the course, the camaraderie and shares a few laughs at the live auction.”
This year’s tournament benefited from ideal weather, which wasn’t the case for the first four. One year, the field played eight holes because of the weather.
Comedian Bob Marley, a childhood friend of Frame’s from Waterville, attended the first tournament and warmed up the crowd before the live auction. Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler, a classmate of Frame’s at Dartmouth, has played in all five tournaments.
Through entry fees, along with silent and live auctions, this year’s tournament will raise more than $45,000, split between the two charities.
In five years, the tournament has raised close to $197,000.
“The golf tournament is by far the largest donor to both entities,” said Frame.
TEE TO GREEN: In an effort to move the Maine Open to different courses, the Maine State Golf Association announced that next year’s tournament will be held at Augusta Country Club in Manchester. The date has yet to be announced.
The Maine chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame will hold its 12th annual tournament on July 11 at Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. Registration is at noon, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.
Proceeds from the tournament help fund the chapter’s scholarship fund, the membership drive and amateur football in Maine. The entry fee is $110, which includes golf, cart, gifts, prizes, a barbecue and membership in the National Football Foundation.
Checks should be made payable to “State of Maine Chapter, NFF” and mailed to Howie Vandersea, chapter president, 13 Appletree Drive, Brunswick, 04011.
The fifth annual cPort Credit Union Junior Classic will take place July 19 at Riverside. The tournament is a fundraiser for the cPort Credit Union scholarship program and First Tee of Maine. The tournament is for young golfers of all abilities and will use Riverside’s North and South courses, and the First Tee course for beginners. Prizes will be awarded for each level of competition. A free barbecue will be provided for all participants. For more information, go to www.cportcu.org.
Mike Doran of Portland is the new junior tournament coordinator for the Maine State Golf Association. The MSGA has 19 junior tournaments this summer. The tournament at Val Halla on July 5 has openings. The Maine Junior Championship, now a 36-hole stroke play event, will be played at Val Halla on Aug. 2-3.
Seth Sweet of Madison qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship last week by shooting 75 and 70 at Allendale in North Dartmouth, Mass.
The final qualifying tournament for the men’s Maine Amateur will be Monday at Biddeford-Saco. There are 38 spots available in the 123-player field.
Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com
Twitter: TomChard PPH
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