Golfing for scholarships

by nathan osterFifty golfers spent the Fourth of July at Midway Golf Course competing in the 13^th annual Linda Madden Memorial tournament and raising scholarship money for the youth of the community.The Madden family sponsors scholarships for graduating seniors each year.“When the tournament started, there was enough money raised to support one scholarship,” said Eddie Johnson, a club member. “This year there were three scholarships awarded to local area students.”Nevin Brown, Kara Michelena and Alexandra Preis were the recipients this year.As for the golfing itself, it followed a scramble forfeit, with golfers competing for prizes.First place went to the team of Al Madden, daughter Naomie and son-in-law Loren Neimitalo, with a score of 51.5.Finishing in second was the team of Dave and Kelly Williamson and Curt and Casey Massey, with a score of 55.4.The foursome of Doug Freier, Paul Koenig, Cevin Gordon and Ryan Jolson took third with a 56.A special prize was awarded to a team of golfers — Jerrold and John Preis, Grant Cadwallander and Butch Moore — for their finish at the bottom.“While it turned into a pretty sultry day, the golfers all seemed to enjoy themselves throughout the day,” said Johnson. “All of us know what the money is raised for and we appreciate how Al and his family are giving back to the kids of our communities. Al does a great job of raising sponsorships for this tournament and provides a pretty good meal for us after we are finished playing.”Midway will host the Security State Bank tournament Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13.Looking further down the road, tickets are still available for the “ball drop” fundraiser on Saturday, July 19. Contact Johnson or inquire at the club if you would like to purchase one.