Golf Tournaments Impact Fisher Scholarships

July 8, 2021

Two golf tournaments in one week boosted student scholarship funds at St. John Fisher College.

Four men standing together holding golf clubs on golf course

Two golf tournaments in one week boosted student scholarship funds at St. John Fisher College.

On Monday, June 21, despite heavy storms that ended play after nine holes, the annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, honoring Father Charles Lavery and Father Joseph Dorsey, raised more than $130,000 in support of Fisher students.

After a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, 116 golfers filled the west course at Oak Hill Country Club. Longtime tournament co-chairs Ken McAlpin ’77 and Lauren Burns ’82 credit the continued success of the tournament to new opportunities such as rookie foursomes which allowed young alumni a chance to play at a reduced rate. Local news anchor and friend of Fisher Athletics, Mark Gruba, hosted a paddle call during dinner raising a record $38,425. 

Three golfers standing together at the GDL Tournament

Later that week, on Friday, June 25, golfers hit the links at Mendon Golf Club for the biannual GDL Memorial Tournament, held in memory of Joe Griffin, Jimmy Dorsey ’73, and John Litterine ’76, three men closely connected through the Fisher family who passed away  too soon. Tournament proceeds support the GDL Scholarship, created by friends and family of the trio. Friendlier weather conditions brought 72 golfers out for the day, with the tournament raising more than $10,000 in support of the GDL Scholarship.