As the Golf Classic enters its teen years, it continues to serve as the sole fundraising event for AIREF, the research arm of the electronic security industry. Proceeds fund critical research and educational programs that benefit the industry and enhance public safety.
In addition to the idyllic scenery and well-manicured course, golfers got lucky with temperatures in the mid-80s and abundant sunshine, which was a welcome change from the previous years’ much cooler (and windier) weather. Back by popular demand, live golf scoring, powered by VPAR, returned to raise the competitive spirit among teams, allowing golfers to view a live leaderboard throughout the tournament.
“The tournament is such an important event, not only because it provides significant proceeds for the foundation, but it is a chance to treat your customers and network with colleagues in a fun and casual way before a busy week,” said AIREF Co-Chair Mike Harrison, of Hillcrest Davidson & Associates.
The event followed a “shamble” format, a combination of scramble and best ball in which teams of golfers were divided into two flights. Flight One Low-Gross went to the team of SAFE Security – Paul Sargenti, Gary Franklyn, Todd Bertocchi and Babe Kilgore – who came in with an unbelievable net score of 41 (-31) (scorecard playoff). Runner up honors went to the Tri-Ed by Anixter team of Bill Donahue Tommy Andrade, Lou Gehring, and Ralph Gregory, who came in with a net score of 45 (-27) (scorecard playoff).
Flight Two Low Gross went to the Honeywell team of Todd Carson, Brian Casey and Chris Sterle, with a remarkable net score of 52 (-20). Runners up were the Perennial Software team of Kathy Carter, Sue Weinstein, Don Faybrick and Steve Firestone, with a net score of 53 (-19). Each player on the winning teams received a $300 or $150 American Express gift card.
Additional prizes awarded at the post-play reception included the Longest Drive #16, which went to Mike Harrison of Hillcrest Davidson & Associates.His prize was a $150 American Express gift card. Closest to the Line winner, Jamie Orvis of Security Solutions also received a $150 American Express gift card. The lucky winner of the 50/50 raffle went to Henry Laik of Telguard with a jackpot of $3,070. In good fun, the Mason Group sponsored a new prize this year honoring the day’s high golf score with a Starbucks gift card and Mason golf shirt, which was given to Michael Marks of Perennial Software.
Thank you to our major sponsors: Morris F. Weinstock Sponsor, Honeywell and Sara E. Jackson Sponsors, ADI, ISC/Reed, and Tri-Ed by Anixter. Other generous sponsors include: Security America RRG, Interlogix, Altronix, Alarm.com, Monitronics, Wayne Alarm, Security Solutions, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, CQR Technologies/QuickPass , NAPCO, SAFE Security, SMS Integration, SPP Advisors, USA Central Station, Reitman Consulting Group Inc., Mason Group, Inc., Rapid Response Monitoring, DSC, Potter Electric, Hillcrest Davidson and CAA. Notable contributions have been made by CASIA, Complete Security Systems Inc., NJESA, NYSESA, PBFAA, TNESA, and WIESA.
As AIREF Co-Chair Keith Baird of Honeywell put it “Think 13 is an unlucky number? It’s quite the contrary for this year’s tournament. No hurricane-style winds, just beautiful warm weather, possibly the best we’ve had in years, and excellent course conditions. For those who missed it, be sure to get this event on your calendar for next year!”