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Merrimack Lions charity golf tourney set for July 23

This year, the Merrimack Lions Charity Golf Tournament will celebrate Francis Quimet’s win. Have you heard of the phrase: “The greatest game ever played?” The phrase is about golf and a movie depicting how Francis Ouimet, a 20-year-old amateur, surprised everyone by winning the 1913 US Open in Brookline, Mass. Most golfers know the story about his amazing victory, but never played with the same wooden golf clubs or balls. Now is your chance to do so.

The par 3-hole tournament is set for Monday, July 23 at the Amherst Country Club, 72 Ponemah Road, Amherst. Aside from golf, the day will feature contests, raffles and a barbecue banquet.

All players will have the opportunity to replicate Ouimet’s shot to hit the green. In fact, Ouimet (played by Robert Sprague dressed in vintage golf attire) will be here with replicas of the hickory golf club (the mashie) and the first mesh pattern ball used to achieve that win. During the early years golf was really only for the very wealthy. Ouimet changed the game of golf forever as he came from a poor immigrant family.

Take the challenge to see how you would fare. Every player will receive a memento of a replica golf ball made by Albert Penfold of the East India Rubber Company when finished. Sprague will bring additional golf memorabilia, as well as a bag full of antique putters for players to use on the green. All proceeds will be donated to local charities supported by the Merrimack Lions Club.

For information, call Alan Hoye at 424-7897 or email alanh@cecent.com, or Phil Przybyszewski at 424-3311 or email philpreski@gmail.com.

More information on Robert Sprague and his fundraising, can be found at “The Hickory Challenge Hole” on Facebook.