The welcoming scents of hot coffee and delicious apple fritters greeted 65 golfers when they arrived at the Mink Meadows Golf Club early Sunday morning to participate in the fourth annual Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard Golf Classic.
The event was a double-barreled hit for foodies who love to play golf. Back in the make-do kitchen, head chef Suzie Herr and her merry band of Hospice volunteers were already at work assembling a luncheon fit for a gourmet. There was a secret homemade recipe for chicken salad and different versions of other recipes. There were homegrown tomatoes and cookies baked in a volunteer’s oven, proving once again that Hospice volunteers are a special group of Vineyarders.
At the registration table, volunteer Barbara Phillips, Jean Powers, and Hospice administrator Rachel Beaulieu were trying to keep up with the demand for raffle tickets. The top ticket was for a Celtics package of two owner courtside seats, graciously donated for a second time, with special on-court privileges for an accompanying child.
The other big raffle item was a VIP box at the historic Saratoga racetrack donated by the New York Racing Association. The package included a “race naming” feature. That means that one day next summer at Saratoga, the third race will be named the J.C. Murphy Handicap. Mr. Murphy, whose golf handicap has sometimes been viewed with suspicion, will present the trophy to the race winner’s owner, have his beaming face on the track’s television system and bring home a framed picture of the event.
Upon accepting the Hospice prize, Murphy said, “How do I get to Saratoga?” Oddsmakers are already taking bets on whether or not he will find it.
Teammates Mike Magaraci, Colin Murphy, Jarda Kral (captain), Shawn Fitzpatrick, and Mike Peters won the fourth Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard Golf Classic. The men came in with a winning gross score of 61, to edge out the second-place team by one stroke on Sunday.
The team made up of Cole Powers (captain), Richie Packish, Richie Combra, Scott Merrit, and Zach Sylvia had lowest net score at 58.
There were 15 tee sponsors this year who gave a large donation to Hospice. Returning regulars were Brennan & Co., Colonial Reproductions, Edgartown Meat & Fish, Island Propane, Jardin Mahoney, Jim’s Package Store, Marzbanian Construction, Powers Electric, Shalett Family, Tony’s Market, and Walter Smith Plumbing. Newcomers were the Verret Family, Vineyard Harbor Hotel, and Vineyard Hearth Patio & Spa.
The winner of the Celtics package this year was Joe Krautkramer, who won it for a second time. Mr. Krautkramer gave the tickets away two years ago. Don’t bother calling to see if he is likely to do the same. “I’m definitely going this time,” Joe said. “I’m a big Chicago Bulls fan!” Celtic fans take note.
Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, which began in 1981, is a free, community-supported organization and relies solely on the generosity of the Vineyard community. The golf tournament is one of the organization’s largest fundraising events each year, and on Sunday there was plenty of generosity on display. For more information, go to hospiceofmv.org.