The Power of a Tourney
The Power of a Tourney
Eddie Szpaicher Outing & Library Pro Am support community
What better way to spend an afternoon outdoors than to enjoy the company of good friends, great food, and friendly competition, all in the name of a worthy cause? That’s the power - and fun - of a great golf tournament, and in the coming weeks, Holiday Valley is pleased to host two annual tournaments that the community has supported for many years!
EDDIE SZPAICHER GOLF CLASSIC
On Wednesday, July 14th, Holiday Valley will host the Eddie Szpaicher Golf Classic, which is now in its 10th year! Szpaicher, who passed away in 2012, was a well-known and beloved member of the Ellicottville community. In fact, Trey Clauss, one of the tournament organizers, knew Szpaicher long before he became a part of his family!
“Eddie was my father-in-law, and he was a bartender next to the ski shop where I work (The City Garage). Before I even started dating his daughter, I knew who he was,” Clauss laughed. In fact, many in the community got to know Szpaicher there, and even more people got to know him because of his passion for sports, including golf, and enthusiastic support of his three daughters, all athletes themselves.
Just six months after Szpaicher passed away, one of his close friends, Jay Stoddard, organized the first tournament in his memory. “It was the largest day of golf in Holiday Valley history,” Clauss recalled. “I can’t remember the exact number, but we had over 200 golfers for two shotguns, one at 8:00am and one at 1:00pm. It was such an amazing day!”
Every year since, including last year, the Eddie Szpaicher Golf Classic has been held at Holiday Valley, and every year, it fills to capacity. Last year, due to Covid, the event was scaled back to one shotgun start with 144 golfers - still an impressive number - and it is already full for 2021.
Even though registration has closed, Clauss said that any individual or business can still be a hole sponsor, which is the primary source of fundraising. Since its creation, the tournament has given $50,000 in scholarship awards. Each year, the Eddie Szpaicher Scholarship Fund awards two $2,500 scholarships to two graduating Ellicottville Central School seniors who participated in at least two different sports and have an 85 or better average. This year’s scholarship recipients are Logan Frederickson and Noah Steinbroner.
Many golfers, especially those who knew Szpaicher, make an annual tradition out of participating in the golf classic. Clauss noted that the event has also grown to include new golfers, too. “This year, more than ever, I’ve had more people that are just new to the tournament, and a lot of people who have played in it before and are inviting another foursome,” said Clauss. “That’s an overwhelming response! Some of them didn’t even know who Ed was, but they like to support it and enjoy the event. It’s just gotten bigger and bigger!”
Those who are interested in sponsoring a hole can visit bigedgolf.com/hole-sponsors or email Clauss at tclauss27@gmail.com.
ELLICOTTVILLE LIBRARY / WNY PGA PRO AM
For PGA Pro Steve Carney, it just wouldn’t be summer without the Ellicottville Library/WNY PGA Pro Am Tournament. On Monday, August 9th, Holiday Valley’s Double Black Diamond Golf Course welcomes pros and amateurs alike to this tournament, which benefits the Ellicottville Memorial Library.
Carney, who has been organizing the tournament for the past 18 years, said the tournament is still accepting registrations. “It’s open to anyone, members or not, as long as they have a handicap,” said Carney. “Each pro who plays from the WNY PGA is allowed to bring someone with them. When we make the foursomes, we usually put two other people who know each other with them.”
Even those who participate annually in the tournament are guaranteed a new experience, as they are placed with a different pro each year. “We have pros from Erie to Canandaigua who come out for this tournament,” said Carney. “Many of them travel with a member or a friend from quite a distance to come here. It’s a great day!”
The tournament typically includes 24 to 30 foursomes, with an 11:00am shotgun start. Golfers have lunch at the turn, and after the tournament, dinner is served outdoors, weather permitting. Carney said, “We have hole contests on all the par threes, closest to the pin, long drive, and par 3 shootouts for the pros. It’s really just a fun day for the charity!”
All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Ellicottville Memorial Library. “I enjoy the camaraderie of all the pros coming,” said Carney. “It’s really nice that the amateurs get to come out and play, and it ends up being a pretty good competition! The golf pros win cash prizes, and gift certificates are awarded to the amateur players.” Those interested in golf tournament raffle tickets can purchase them at the Ellicottville Memorial Library from now through August 9th.
Carney recommends that prospective participants register early, as the tournament usually fills quickly. For more information and registration, contact the Holiday Valley Golf Shop at 716-699-3909 or email Carney at scarney@holidayvalley.com.