2018 LECOM Health Challenge
The 2018 LECOM Health Challenge was a great success! It was the third year of this Web.com Tour event. Thanks to LECOM Health, Peek’n Peak Resort, Web.com Tour, CREDC, the Golf Channel, and all of the sponsors of the event. The LECOM Health Challenge continues to be a proven to be an asset to the Chautauqua County Region.
While the Golf Channel was in town, County Executive George Borrello shared a moment with Gary Christian, and reflected on how awesome this County truly is.
The LECOM Health Challenge took place during the week of July 2 through July 8.
Pre-Tournament activities included two First Tee of Western New York Junior Golf Clinic, one in Erie, Pennsylvania; and one in Clymer, New York. Both of the events were offered as free events to encourage area youth to learn more about the game of golf. There were also two Pro-Ams that took place prior to the official tournament play, one Junior (ages 10-17) Pro-Am and one Amateur (18+) Pro-Am. During each event, players played alongside of the professionals in a friendly competition. Both events proved to be a great success. The Junior Pro-Am had a registration fee of $250, and the Amateur Pro-Am had a registration fee of $1625.
The official tournament started on Thursday, July 5, and ran through Sunday, July 8. Each day featured vendor tents and exciting opportunities for the fans to do. On Thursday, WWII Navy Veteran Mr. Paul Arnone hit the first ceremonial shot to begin the tournament. On this day, HOPE’S Windows, Inc., offered free admission and lunch to all Veterans, Military, and First Responders, as an appreciation for their service. On Friday, spectators got an opportunity to hang out in the Plyler Fan Zone, to grab a free tshirt, and to meet the professional golfers, as they finished their rounds. On Saturday, tournament goers got the chance to see how far they walk at a professional golf tournament and to measure their steps against the Pros. Thank you, LECOM Health, for giving away free pedometers to tournament guests all day.
On Sunday, Chautauqua County Veterans tended the 18th Green courtesy of Chautauqua Institution. Many thanks also to Gregory Carlson and his team at the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency for coordinating this amazing tribute to our heroes! These are the veterans who tended the 18th Green: Larry Canaley, U.S. Army (Vietnam era); Calvin Fain, U.S. Air Force (Vietnam/Desert Storm era); Henry Link, U.S. Army (Vietnam era); Robert Pearson U.S. Army (Vietnam era); Scott Dearing U.S. Marine Corps. (Vietnam); Jack Anderson, U.S. Navy (Cuban Missile Crisis); George Travis, U.S. Air Force Veteran (1955-1959); Stan Kawski, U.S. Army (Korea); Steve LaVoice, U.S. Air Force (Korea); and Dr. Gale Stranigan, U.S. Army (Korea era). Also, we want to recognize and give special honors to the WWII Veterans who were present. They are Roger Anderson U.S. Navy (WWII); Robert Coolbaugh U.S. Air Force (WWII) (Tended the Green for our 2018 Champion, Nelson Ledesma); and Bill Norris, U.S. Navy (WWII).
I ❤️ NY —-> 🏆 @WebDotComTour @LECOMHC pic.twitter.com/8VFQpF3hGo
— Nelson Ledesma (@NelsonLedesmaOk) July 9, 2018