Golf Scramble 19: What? 19th hole? So soon?
| Type of post: | Chorus news item |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | John Braden |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Fri, Oct 17 2025 |
By Co-chair John Erwine
The 19th hole is a well-known tradition, originated long ago; relax with a beverage or two, brag about your game -- or not. What happened? Apparently, Mother Nature had already scheduled an event for the day, and Heart of America and its golfing buddies just had to work around it.
Sept. 18 started with various sprinkles and drops at WinterStone Golf Course in Independence, then a full-blown storm. Tension was building in the air. Are we going to be able to play? After an old man spent much time beating on an old oatmeal box lid with an old wooden spoon, out on the old lawn, sitting on an old blanket and chanting "rain, rain, go away, come again another day" -- it relented.
Thankfully, around 11 a.m., golfers started to appear. By noon it was pretty much a normal beautiful day for golf. All were having a good time. Then, about 4 p.m., with foursomes having only one or two holes left to play, clouds started drifting in, it got almost dark, then it suddenly came down with vengeance. So, everyone cranked their carts full throttle and came speeding back to the clubhouse, fully drenched, for a wonderful smoked barbecued brisket and pulled chicken buffet at their favorite 19th hole. Just another great day of golfing and comradeship.
This again was a year that we had so many things to be thankful for. We are so fortunate to have those foursomes and sponsors that make the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus' Golf Scramble our largest fundraiser each year. I believe this year might have been one of the largest prize donations we have had. Donations fund the raffle sales, which are also a large part of our success.
We owe a huge "thank you" to not only our players, but to all our sponsors. Why? Because every cent of these funds goes to our bottom line to help support, strengthen and share our singing passion. It also demonstrates their belief in what we do. A huge recognition goes to:
-- Double Eagle Sponsor: Bob and Jane Rutherford
-- Eagle Sponsors: Greg & Lisa Howard; In Harmony Therapeutic Massage; Jerry & Alane Shapiro
-- Hole Sponsors: Our own HOA members, and/or those solicited by them. (These additional 16 sponsors donated no less than $100 each, and we value them as much as any other.)
We had a great well of volunteers who came together, making this another successful fundraiser. This includes everyone in the chapter who pitched in whether asked or not. Volunteers to be especially recognized this year are Co-Chair Harvey Shapiro, Aaron Platt, Linda Schumacher, Mike Schumacher, Marty Oldehoeft, Jim Bagby, Wally Thornton, Charles Ramirez, Steve Keisker, John Erwine, Bart Bartholomew, Don Fuson, Marlin Weidler, Chris Walker and Tony O'Brien.
HOA's very own Swing Shift quartet provided their much-enjoyed barbershop singing. They are always welcome.
As always, WinterStone Golf Club provided excellent playing conditions and attention to detail, making this a most enjoyable day for all.
Next year is our 20th year of hosting this Golf Scramble Fundraiser! Players and potential players: Make a note in your Day-Timer with a big red 'X' for Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026!
Everyone: It's not too early to compile a list of potential players, sponsors (big and small) and volunteers to help make another smooth-running event. I think volunteers have about as much fun as those on the greens. See everyone next year!
The 19th hole is a well-known tradition, originated long ago; relax with a beverage or two, brag about your game -- or not. What happened? Apparently, Mother Nature had already scheduled an event for the day, and Heart of America and its golfing buddies just had to work around it.
Sept. 18 started with various sprinkles and drops at WinterStone Golf Course in Independence, then a full-blown storm. Tension was building in the air. Are we going to be able to play? After an old man spent much time beating on an old oatmeal box lid with an old wooden spoon, out on the old lawn, sitting on an old blanket and chanting "rain, rain, go away, come again another day" -- it relented.Thankfully, around 11 a.m., golfers started to appear. By noon it was pretty much a normal beautiful day for golf. All were having a good time. Then, about 4 p.m., with foursomes having only one or two holes left to play, clouds started drifting in, it got almost dark, then it suddenly came down with vengeance. So, everyone cranked their carts full throttle and came speeding back to the clubhouse, fully drenched, for a wonderful smoked barbecued brisket and pulled chicken buffet at their favorite 19th hole. Just another great day of golfing and comradeship.
This again was a year that we had so many things to be thankful for. We are so fortunate to have those foursomes and sponsors that make the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus' Golf Scramble our largest fundraiser each year. I believe this year might have been one of the largest prize donations we have had. Donations fund the raffle sales, which are also a large part of our success.
We owe a huge "thank you" to not only our players, but to all our sponsors. Why? Because every cent of these funds goes to our bottom line to help support, strengthen and share our singing passion. It also demonstrates their belief in what we do. A huge recognition goes to:
-- Double Eagle Sponsor: Bob and Jane Rutherford
-- Eagle Sponsors: Greg & Lisa Howard; In Harmony Therapeutic Massage; Jerry & Alane Shapiro
-- Hole Sponsors: Our own HOA members, and/or those solicited by them. (These additional 16 sponsors donated no less than $100 each, and we value them as much as any other.)
We had a great well of volunteers who came together, making this another successful fundraiser. This includes everyone in the chapter who pitched in whether asked or not. Volunteers to be especially recognized this year are Co-Chair Harvey Shapiro, Aaron Platt, Linda Schumacher, Mike Schumacher, Marty Oldehoeft, Jim Bagby, Wally Thornton, Charles Ramirez, Steve Keisker, John Erwine, Bart Bartholomew, Don Fuson, Marlin Weidler, Chris Walker and Tony O'Brien.HOA's very own Swing Shift quartet provided their much-enjoyed barbershop singing. They are always welcome.
As always, WinterStone Golf Club provided excellent playing conditions and attention to detail, making this a most enjoyable day for all.Next year is our 20th year of hosting this Golf Scramble Fundraiser! Players and potential players: Make a note in your Day-Timer with a big red 'X' for Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026!
Everyone: It's not too early to compile a list of potential players, sponsors (big and small) and volunteers to help make another smooth-running event. I think volunteers have about as much fun as those on the greens. See everyone next year!
