Mark your calendars for this upcoming fall, the first Dr. Michael Doran Memorial Golf Tournament is taking place to honor the memory of the former beloved principal.
The tournament is being hosted by the athletics department and Booster Club on Oct. 14, at 9 A.M. at the Blue Mash Golf Course in Olney. All proceeds directly benefit the sports teams and athletics at here.
The tournament takes place on the same weekend as homecoming and will have a shotgun start. Thirty-six teams with four members each will participate and will choose a athletics team to represent. If a team comes in the top three, funds will be given to the athletics team being represented. The first place team wins $300 for their represented team, second place wins $200 and third place wins $100.
Students like sophomore Noah Siman plan to participate in the tournament with high hopes of winning the prize money for their team. “I am definitely going to play and win top prize for my golf team,” Siman said.
Golfers will compete in teams of four and will play in a style called “captain’s choice.” Each golfer hits a ball from the same spot and the team goes to the location of their
best shot. Each golfer on the team then hits another ball from that location and the best shot will be picked until the hole is completed. This type of golf is geared to suit golfers of all skill levels and it shows that the playing field is open to anyone and everyone. Students like freshman Daniel Rudden are eager to participate in the upcoming tournament and represent something bigger than golf. “I’m so excited for the tournament because it shows that everybody of all golfing abilities can have a great time,” Rudden said.
The entry fee to take part in the tournament is $125, which accounts for all the activities that will take place on that day. Breakfast and lunch is included for the golfers as well as a golf cart, practice balls for the driving range, and golf paraphernalia for each golfer.
In addition to the top three teams, prizes will be awarded for the closest to the pin, the longest men’s drive, and the longest women’s drive. The top three teams in the tournament will win medals and trophies at the awards ceremony as well as the prize money for the team of choosing.
At the awards ceremony, a silent auction will take place as each team is encouraged to bring a gift or gift basket to the silent auction. Sports teams such as the Orioles, Nationals, and the Georgetown basketball are also planning to donate a gift to the event.
The tournament is being run by technology teacher Kevin O’Neill. O’Neill was a good friend of the Doran and is honored to remember him through this golf tournament. “What better way to honor Dr. Doran than an event to bring money to the athletics programs which Dr. Doran loved to be a part of,” O’Neill said.

Justin Fishman

Opinion Editor