Fundraising Drive: Golfers Tee Off at Sour Mash to Raise Money for United Way | News, Sports, Courses

Parkersburg Country Club pro Adam Chestnut, far right, checks his lie at Parkersburg Country Club on Monday as PGA Tour pro Derek Lamely selects his next club during the Sour Mash Golf Tournament. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

VIENNA — A bad day at the Sour Mash Golf Tournament is still better than a good day at work.

The 53rd edition of the tournament, a major event organized by the United Ay Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, was held Monday at Parkersburg Country Club in Vienna, where 31 foursomes played against each other under clear skies and temperatures around 90 degrees.

“We had a lot of nice weather again,” said Stacy Decicco, executive director of United Way and organizer of the golf tournament.

The Sour Mash became a signature event of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley in 2021 when the organization took over the reins from the Parkersburg Rotary Club, which founded and manages the annual benefit tournament. The year before, United Way took over the annual Festival of Trees.

In addition to raising money for United Way agencies, United Way will also make a contribution to the Holmes R. “Stupid” Shaver Memorial Fund is administered by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, Decicco said. Shaver, who died in 2022, is this year’s tournament winner.

Adam Chestnut, club pro at Parkersburg Country Club, pitches toward the green Monday during the Sour Mash Golf Tournament hosted by the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Chestnut was paired with PGA Tour pro Derek Lamely. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

The amount has yet to be determined, Decicco said.

The Shaver Foundation supports Alumni for the Future Inc., which supports Parkersburg High School sports teams with the goal of providing students with more and safer extracurricular sports activities.

Previous tournament winners include the Ross Foundation and Sam Ross, Pat and Judy Minnite, John Dudley and Mary Welch.

Shaver’s choice was easy, Decicco said.

Shaver, a Parkersburg High graduate, owned a real estate company, served on the Wood County Commission for more than 20 years and chaired the United Way campaign in 1978. His legacy to the community will have far-reaching implications for the future, she said.

PGA Tour pro Derek Lamely studies his tee shot on the sixth hole at Parkersburg Country Club on Monday during the Sour Mash Golf Tournament, hosted by the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

It was easy to get comments about Shaver, Decicco said. Sometimes people wait a day to think about what to say about someone, but not in Shaver’s case, she said.

“People didn’t have to struggle to come up with words about Butch,” said Decicco.

Tournament activities began with a showcase from PGA Tour Professional Derek Lamely, who made his first appearance at the Sour Mash in 2023.

The decision to participate was easy, Lamely said. Lamely, who was recruited through his sponsor, Callaway, enjoys the tournament, the course and the cause it represents.

“It was a no-brainer,” he said. “If I’m invited again next year, I’ll be here.”

From left: Derek Lamely, a PGA Tour pro, and Adam Chestnut, a club pro at Parkersburg Country Club, pose in the cart during the Sour Mash Golf Tournament on Monday at the country club. The tournament is a signature event of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

His playing partner, Adam Chestnut, the pro at the country club, spoke highly of Lamely. Lamely knows the purpose of the tournament, Chestnut said.

“He understands what it’s all about and that is appreciated,” he said.

This year, United Way hopes to raise $45,000, but the amount had not been determined Monday, Decicco said. All proceeds will go into a fund that will be distributed to United Way agencies, she said.

“Costs have gone up,” said Decicco.

Platinum sponsors for the 2024 tournament are Richard and Liza Adams, Goodwill Industries of the Kanawha Valley and Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal.

North Bend Wealth Management is the luncheon sponsor. Celanese is the shirt sponsor. CAS Cable is the tee gift sponsor. Delrin is the Bloody Mary breakfast sponsor.

Tournament sponsors are United Bank, WVU Medicine Camden Clark, Chemours, Sir Speedy, WMOA Radio and the PM Co.

First Neighborhood Bank is the sponsor of the putting contest. Community Bank is the sponsor of the beverages. Coplin Health Systems sponsored the hydration station. Birdie sponsors are McClinton Chevrolet, Peoples Bank, Memorial Health System, Kraton, and Becky and Jim McGinnis.

Hole’s sponsors include the Bernard McDonough Foundation, Peoples Bank and Coplin Health Systems.

Today’s latest news and more in your inbox