The Ascension Charity Classic:

 Perfect Name For This Golf Event

   By Tom Anselm

It was 21 years ago on September 11 that men filled with hatred for America mercilessly murdered nearly 3000 innocent people in New York City, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They were also attempting to kill the spirit of America. They failed.

America continues to carry that spirit, a spirit of concern for the world, those in need during disasters wherever and whenever they occur. A generosity, unparalleled in history.

One small example of that generosity was on display during the second week of this month, at the Norwood Hills Country Club, the host course of the second edition of The Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson. Ascension is a faith-based non-profit health care and health systems organization operating primarily in the Midwest, but also in New York and Arizona.

Seventy-eight golfers took their skills out to a beautifully-trimmed course on a day that started out wet and cool but turned into a spectacular early-fall afternoon on Sunday, September 11, for the final round of the 54-hole, no-cut tournament. This is just one of the 30-plus events on the PGA TOUR Championship circuit.

But much more than championship golf was involved. There were youth clinics, several days of ProAm play, a celebrity competition, a Legends event, a putting contest, all with the goal of raising thousands upon thousands of dollars for local charities. Some of these recipients are Marygrove, PGA REACH Gateway, The Urban League, and First Tee of Greater St. Louis, among others.

I talked with Anne Klein, executive director of First Tee. She said that last year, the first of Ascensions events, they received about 10% of their operating budget from the tournament. First tee focuses on fostering the game of golf and personal development with diverse racial and gender participants, offering their services to the North County region at Eagle Springs Golf Course. They also supply golf equipment to local school districts’ PE teachers at the elementary level. She thought the event was very successful, and looks forward to the continuing growth in volunteers and youth in the coming year.

Marygrove also will be gaining a nice piece of the charitable donations. Dr. Michael Mehan, executive director, spoke of his praise for the organization and implementation of the Ascension event.

“ I felt privileged to be a part of this great tournament. We benefit greatly from the funds we receive,” noting that their annual budget of $3 million comes from many sources, but a good portion of it is derived from the generosity provided by the people who both conducted and participated in the tournament. Marygrove provides residential and therapeutic services to children, teens and young adults coming from an abusive past.

Another organization that receives assistance is PGA REACH Gateway Foundation. Thomas Pool, Marketing, Communication and Branding Manager for the non-profit that is the philanthropic initiative for the PGA, said that they will get $9750 as a result of this year’s tournament. PGA REACH provides golf training and competitions for junior golfers and disabled military veterans in the general St. Louis region. Ozzie Smith is the president of the Foundation.

VOLUNTEERS DID A GREAT JOB:

Now, as per usual, here are some of the people I ran into in my wanderings around the amazingly-decked-out and well-organized Classic. There was Lashonda in Entrance Security, on the job as she spotted by small pocket-knife attached to my keychain. I don’t think I profile as a terrorist, but “rules are rules,” she politely said as she confiscated the piece.

Sam was one of hundreds of Emerson employee volunteers. She got a bit wet and cold in the early morning hours, but it didn’t dampen her smile or her spirit as she handled the entrance to the VIP and Media Center. She works in the supply chain portion of Emerson’s vast product and technology services.

Bob, from O’Fallon, MO, was stationed at the first tee, responsible for maintaining decorum as the players took their first swings. His paddle said ‘QUIET’. I was a bit surprised that there ws no ‘Please’ added. But hey, these guys mean business. Amusing in a way, though, that Albert Pujols comes to bat with 46,000 fans screaming his name, and does pretty well in spite of it. Oh, well… that’s golf.
Rick was The Gatekeeper, so to speak, at the 18th green. He manned the ropes just below the hole, for people to cross the fairway. He volunteered along with many from his club. We talked about how accurate these players’ approach shots were… and about how great it is to be a grandpa.
And once again, I was pleased to draw Johnny as my shuttle driver for the return to my car. He was resplendent, decked out in a black tux and trademark porkpie hat. Johnny was still very pleasant to each passenger, even after many long hours up and down the hills from Lutheran North to Norwood. God bless you, sir.
The winner of the tournament was Padraig Harrington, carding a 14-under for the three rounds. A Dubliner, he is on his first year on the PGA Tour Champions, and has done quite well, with three wins now and several top-ten finishes.

At 51, Harrington, should be around for quite awhile, and he said he loved the course and doesn’t see why he wouldn’t be back to defend his title next year.
He brought an infectious excitement to his game, and that seemed to play well with the St. Louis crowd, who appreciate an enthusiastic competitor.
And so to Mr. Harrington, we say “Sláinte chugat!”
• Shots From the Rough #3
Let’s check in with how my “Elegant, Alliterative and Just Plain Fun Foursome” did in this week’s event.
Not very well, apparently. José María Olazábal, Fred Funk, Duffy Waldorf and Dicky Pride combined for a total of $15,260.
But in fairness, Mr. Pride just missed last year’s Classic, losing in a playoff, and earning a substantial $176,000. Like I said earlier… that’s golf.

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