SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its 54th annual Hackers Golf Tournament on July 9, at Crown Point Country Club, bringing together 16 teams for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and fundraising. Proceeds from the event will benefit the chamber’s rural business and workforce development program and the Springfield Family Center.
Although temperatures were high, spirits remained even higher as golfers embraced the tournament’s fun-loving “Hackers” tradition. Participants enjoyed a pulled-pork dinner sponsored by North Star Health and Springfield Hospital, along with crowd favorites including the spectacular Ball Drop, the lively “Heckle Hole” hosted by HB Energy Solutions and Claremont Savings Bank, and a variety of luck-based contests. More than $800 in prizes was awarded through the 50-50 raffle, Lucky Squares, and Ball Drop competitions.
Tournament champions are as follows: Net Division, first place – C. Streeter, A. Streeter, D. Lihatsh, and R. Parker; Gross Division, first place – N. Natole, A. Rumrill. M. Messer, and C. Kimball.
The chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the tournament’s generous sponsors, who made this year’s event possible. Special thanks go to Casey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield, sponsor of the hole-in-one contest on Hole 18. While no golfer claimed the grand prize of a new Jeep this year, participants are already looking forward to another opportunity in next year’s tournament.
Additional event sponsors included Jerry Farnum State Farm Insurance, sponsor of the $5,000 putting contest, which was narrowly missed by a rim shot, and Modern Mechanical, sponsor of the popular beverage cart.
Congratulations also go to Crissy Webster and Alex Rumrill, winners of the longest drive competition, who each received a bottle of premium spirits generously donated by Mad River Distillers. Golfer gift bags were provided through the generosity of Claremont Savings Bank and Springfield GMC.
The Chamber also recognizes the following businesses and individuals for sponsoring tournament holes: HP Roofing, Dragonfly Designs, Ultimate Autobody, The Richards Group, VTEL, Crissy Webster, HB Energy Solutions, Parker and Ankuda, and One Credit Union.
The chamber extends heartfelt thanks to Andy and the golf professionals at Crown Point Country Club for expertly managing the tournament, and to Kristen and the kitchen staff for providing outstanding meals throughout the day. Their hospitality continues to demonstrate why Crown Point Country Club is recognized as one of the top 10 friendliest golf courses in the country.
The chamber also wishes to recognize the many volunteers whose dedication made the tournament a success, along with Mike Schmitt, executive director, and Polly Blaise, membership director and event coordinator, for their leadership in organizing the event.
“The Hackers Tournament continues to be one of our signature community events,” said Schmitt. “It brings together local businesses, community leaders, and golfers for a day of fun while raising funds that directly support economic development and important community services. We are incredibly grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, golfer, and supporter who helped make this year’s tournament another tremendous success.”