With 50 carts zipping across its fairways, Shoreland Country Club near St. Peter was bursting at the seams on Tuesday during the 45th annual Cleveland Open.
The event is expected to raise about $5000 for Cleveland athletics, said organizer Jennifer Schmidt.
“I am grateful for all of the players, sponsors, hole sponsors and door prize donors as well as for the perfect weather,” said Schmidt. “The tournament is a fun event for everyone, and the money raised benefits all who are involved in Cleveland athletics.”
The format for the 25 teams of four was a scramble: the group decides which shot is the best after each stroke. All players then started their next shot from that chosen position. About half the golfers played one set of nine holes while the rest played the other.
Teams could reduce their score by their outcome of a beanbag toss game on one tee box and a ball toss on another. Cleveland athletes operated those games. Hosting a beanbag toss on hole 10 were Delaney Thompson, Taylor McCabe and Hadley Thompson. Hosting a ball toss on hole 15 were Sam Ternes, Carson Lyons and Carsyn Ryg. Hosting a beanbag toss on hole nine were Gavin Karels and Mason Kluntz. Hosting a ball toss on hole three were Bode Bartell and Tanner Simonette.
“It is nice to have the students present since we are fundraising for them,” Schmidt said.
With a score of minus 13, the team of Tracy Tweeten, Cole Staloch, Dan Hanson and Collin Bennet led the open. Shooting a nine under, the foursome of Travis Mons, Travis Christensen, Mike Meyer and Kylee Meyer was second. Tied for third place with minus sixes were the quartet of Doug Schweim, his son Carson Schweim, Daryl Karsky and Bob Southworth and the group of Scott Rutz, Myrriah Rutz, Ben Borer and Julie Borer.
Among the men, Rob Gratton and Ben Johnson swung for the longest drives. For the women, Lindsay Archer and Brittany Dauk drove the farthest. Ryan Ponwith and Kinsey Maxfield landed a ball closest to the pin while Laura Miller and Julie Borer sunk the longest putt.
Afterwards, golfers were treated to a burger bar in the clubhouse. During the meal, Schmidt and Alissa Gibbs drew names for door prizes while after, they picked the winners for a pair of 50/50 raffles and raffles for other items, including golf, spa, beach and outdoor pizza oven packages as well as tickets to Vikings and Wild games and Cleveland High School sports passes.
Schmidt took over running the open in 2021 after Doug Schweim of Cleveland Hometown Bank/Community Insurance stepped down after 20 years. Cleveland school administrator Gibbs and boys basketball assistant coach Carter Kopet (CHS 2018) helped her, especially the day of the tournament, Schweim still helped with getting door prizes, and family members assisted as well, Schmidt said.
Above: The event relied on the support of many sponsors (see complete list below).
