Golf outing a hole in one for Catholic schools

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By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger

Davenport — Father Brian Miclot watched his putt intensely, his head craning to follow the ball. As the ball sank into the cup, Fr. Miclot raised his hands as his fivesome roared with approval.

Lindsay Steele
Father Brian Miclot, right, celebrates his birdie putt with Jay Griebel, far left, and Gus Gustafson, center, during the Father Ken Martin Memorial Golf Outing Aug. 27.

“Did you see that birdie?” he asked rhetorically.

The Father Ken Martin Memorial Golf Outing Aug. 27 at Emeis Golf Course offered golfers and guests the opportunity to have fun while helping Catholic school students and their families. Funds raised from this annual event, now in its 26th year, are used to assist families facing a financial crisis situation that may force them to take their children out of a Scott County Catholic school because of an inability to pay tuition.

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Participating golfers were greeted in the parking lot by Assumption High School ambassadors and seventh- and eighth-grade Scott County Catholic school students offering to carry golf bags from the parking lot to the golf carts. Before the rounds began, Father Marty Goetz, pastor of Ss. John & Paul Parish in Burlington, gave a golf-themed blessing. “Help me to be a good sport in the game of life … Help me accept the sand traps and rocks as part of the game,” he said.

Jim Tiedje, chairman of the annual event, said, “We may be the only golf outing in the Quad Cities that starts with a prayer.”

Participants could choose to enjoy a round of 18 holes at Emeis Golf Course and a dinner at the nearby Knights of Columbus for $125,

Lindsay Steele
Jim Tiedje watches his drive on hole one at the Father Ken Martin Memorial Golf Outing Aug. 27 at Emeis Golf Course in Davenport.

or participate in the dinner only for $35 dollars. Raffle drawings — Bishop Martin Amos won three — and on-course prizes were awarded. Skip O’Donnell won the overall trophy.

Tiedje said 102 people participated in the golf outing, with an additional 40 people taking part in the evening meal. Altogether, the event raised about $14,000.

Golfer Holly Loussaert said “It’s just such a positive thing. For people who can afford to golf it’s a good time, and it helps kids who need it.”


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