11th annual Siuslaw Open supports Siuslaw Outreach Services

May 26, 2021 — On May 22, Florence Golf Links was the scene for the 11th annual Siuslaw Open Benefit Golf Tournament presented by Oregon Pacific Bank, Florence Dental Clinic, Peace Health, Mehlum Family Foundation, and Banner Bank to benefit Siuslaw Outreach Services (SOS).

Eighty-eight golfers, 18 volunteers and 35 sponsors converged onto the Scottish-style course to raise just over $13,000 toward programs and resources to benefit victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and homelessness.

According to SOS Executive Director Bob Teter, it was a record-breaking year in a number of ways, including the number of participants and sponsors, as well as the amount raised.

Although Oregon Gov. Kate Brown lifted the requirements for masks outdoors, servers and many volunteers were masked and gloved and each golfer was supplied with hand sanitizer and a mask.

“The COVID restrictions did require staggered start times,” Teter said. “Many format changes were made to promote health and safety.”

Due to COVID restrictions, instead of a closing dinner, golfers received a “build your own” sub sandwich box at the clubhouse, sponsored by Siuslaw Glass & Mirror, and Hyak provided grilled hot dogs on Hole No. 7.

There was a three-way tie for first place with a score of 57. The scores on the back nine and six were used to break the tie.

First place went to “The I Don’t Cares,” consisting of Justin Mans, AJ Davidson, Jake Wells and Jeff Noonan.

Second place went to Terry Bruns, Rich Jenson, Kyle Wolf and Donald Chipman of “Donald & The Three Seamen.”

Third went to “Off Constantly” with Jason Hoffman, Travis Elam, Keifer Allen and Travis Hoffman.

The tournament used the Calloway scoring method. Winners of the Siuslaw Open were notified by phone call, text and email.

Despite the changes to 2021 Siuslaw Open, many participants reported having a wonderful time.

“This was our first time playing,” said Jason Hoffman of Coos Bay. “It was a lot of fun! Count us in for next year.”

In total, 22 teams played the tournament, which was another record.

In the putting contest, there was a fierce battle as 18 individuals had to face in a putt-off because they all sunk the 30-foot putt in the competition.

After several rounds, it was Mike Caldwell sinking it again in the putt-off to win $100 and the trophy.

Donald Chipman’s name was drawn to attempt sinking a 60’ putt to win $5,000. Unfortunately, his putt narrowly missed the cup by a couple inches.

AJ Davidson won the men’s long drive.

There was a tie in the women’s Long Drive competition between Elisha Young and Veronica Thompson.

Jim Achison won the men’s KP on Hole No. 11.

New to the tournament was the Poker run with “The I Don’t Cares” winning $320.

This time, no one scored a “a hole-in-one,” which was sponsored by Johnston Motors for the chance to win a new travel trailer on Hole No. 5.

This year’s event raised a net of just over $13,000.

Tournament co-chair and SOS Board member Justin Young was thrilled about the number of golfers. He went on to say, “We had concerns going in that changing the date and the uncertainty of COVID that this could be a down year. We were pleasantly surprised how much the community stepped up. This was a record turnout.”

Teter added, “This success of this event will help us help many families who are struggling.”

Knowing those challenges, the golf committee of Young, Stephanie Wright, Nick Johnson, Rick Yecny, Dr. Brian Holmes and Teter, along with SOS Board of Directors and staff, want to thank the following businesses and individuals for making the event so successful:

Oregon Pacific Bank, Florence Dental Clinic, Peace Health, Mehlum Family Foundation, Banner Bank, Johnston Motors, Jady Chiakowsky Orthodontics, Hanawalt/Ferguson-Attorneys At Law, 1285 Resto Bar, Hyak, Jerry’s Place, Dutch Bros, Sign Stop, Siuslaw News, KCST Radio, Copeland Lumber, Florence Motor Sports, River Roasters, Shirvin’s Tire & Auto, Lighthouse Electric, Siuslaw Glass & Mirror, Sweet Cheeks Winery, Florence Rotary Club, Y-Marina, Holloway & Assoc., Edward Jones Investments-Andy Baber, Hop Valley Brewery, Safeway, Fred Meyer, State Farm Insurance-Sue Gilday, Pro Lumber, Leisure Excavating, Yecny Family, Steve & Lori Gates, Justin & Elisha Young, Bob & Stacey Teter, the many volunteers and Florence Golf Links.

“The success of this event could not happen without these community partners,” Teter said.

For more information, visit florencesos.org.