STOW, MA—Nick Wiseman, an assistant pro at Oyster Harbors Club, played 204 holes to bring his club again to the top fundraising position in the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund’s 23rd Golf Marathon on August 12 at Stow Acres G.C. The event raised a total of $282,000. The 2015 Ouimet Marathon, which is believed to be the highest fundraising Marathon in the United States this year, brought the total raised since the event’s inception in 1993 to $5.3 Million.
Oyster Harbors has won the fundraising competition for seven of the past eight years. It was Weisman’s initial foray in the Marathon. He and Oyster Harbors Ouimet Chair Steve Demirjian raised a total of $25,193 to pace 37 clubs and organizations. The Country Club, led by assistant pro David Wilson, was second with $23,286 in fundraising. The 25year old Wilson is an Ouimet scholarship alumnus who played 176 holes.
Josh Christopher of Kittansett played 222 holes to lead this endurance challenge.
“This was a perfect day and the players were able to really play a lot of golf for us. The players and Walt Lankau of Stow Acres are really to be commended,” Greg Gailius, Ouimet Fund President, said.
Ed McMellen of Oakley defended his title as low pro at seven under par in his 10th year playing the Ouimet Marathon. David Cellucci who played in memory of his late brother Michael, was low gross amateur at two over par. Drew Quirk of Longmeadow was low net at ten under par.
At age 47, Brian Golden, who represented Winchester CC and played in his 22nd Marathon, finished 126 holes.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund was founded in 1949 and since that time has awarded nearly $30 Million to students who have worked at least two years in service to golf in Massachusetts. Ouimet Scholars work as caddies or in pro shop or course superintendent operations. The Scholarship is a four-year renewable award and is need-based. In 2015-2016, The Fund plans to award at least $1.7 Million to approximately 300 students. Over 5,300 students have received Ouimet Scholarships since its founding, with many going on to outstanding positions of leadership in business and professional careers. The Ouimet Fund is one of the largest independent scholarships in New England and the 2nd largest “caddie fund” in the U.S. It is a 501(c)(3) organization and is considered the Golf Charity of Massachusetts.
Written By: ROSS BLACKER
