BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. — On June 3, the 4-H Scholarship Golf Classic returns for a 22nd year, helping raise money for the Saratoga County 4-H Leaders Association to provide college scholarships and other opportunities to local students. The Association is seeking corporate sponsorship as well as foursomes to come out and play in the tournament. Click here for the Golf Classic brochure.
Money raised at the tournament goes to the Saratoga County 4-H Leaders Association, which has granted 59 scholarships of $1,000 each to students within the county since the tournament began. The tournament raises roughly $10,000 each year, said Greg Stevens, the program leader at the 4-H Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County. Our goal this year is to double that goal. Greg Stevens, also said the tournament helps raise money for things such as leadership trips and volunteer training. These are integral parts of the 4-H program of Forty Four 4-H Clubs, 160 volunteers and over 600 youth.
The 22nd annual tournament will be held at the Fairways of Halfmoon in Mechanicville. The Fairways of Halfmoon have “been a great partner” for the tournament. Stevens said the tournament has enjoyed a strong community response, noting the generous support of the Golf Club.
The tournament utilizes a shotgun start and a scramble format. Last year saw a record attendance of 112 competitors, Stevens said. It was the third consecutive year the tournament has seen over 100 people participate. The Saratoga 4-H program is very active all across Saratoga County, not just in one community.
Stevens also added that it is meaningful to see the strong response from participants and sponsors in the tournament each year. “It makes me so proud and humbled that they feel we are a worthy cause to come out and support,” Stevens said. “We’re extremely happy, and we’re extremely grateful. Personally, as a 4-H Program Leader, I couldn’t be happier to have such a great fundraiser that is established year after year, still continues to grow today, and provides opportunities for our kids.”
4-H Youth Development actively involves youth in opportunities that help them learn to lead, build their communities, connect with Cornell University, and connect with each other.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County
