Lebanon, Indiana … With plenty of sun, the absence of clouds, and a light breeze from the southwest, volunteers and contributors arrived at the Ulen Country Club, in Lebanon, Indiana, to participate in the 3rd Annual Malawi Project Golf Scramble. Advance preparation, and experience from the previous two events, heralded a near-flawless outcome, and a record number of contributors assured the financial success of the program.
Lunch was served by a professional staff at the clubhouse, and in short order the golfers scrambled into shiny white golf carts and flooded onto the golf course for the scramble. Although rain showers had been predicted for later in the day, it remained rain free, with the golf participants enjoying the day with little to impede their expectations. Contributions to the Malawi work were also at a record high for the event.
The planning committee, who spent months preparing for the event, included Jim Messenger, John Wilkens, Tony Zancanairo, and Jim Sigo, members of the North Central Church of Christ in Indianapolis, where the work in Malawi was started. Looking back on the event Jim Messenger observes, “It was a really great day for everyone who participated. That was thanks to the contributors, businesses, individual sponsors, volunteers, and a very attentive staff at the pro shop and clubhouse that made it all work so effectively and successfully.”
This was the first year the event was hosted at the Ulen Country Club on the north side of Lebanon. The facility was founded in 1924 by Henry Ulen, an internationally recognized business magnate. The course is highly prized by the community and features a superbly manicured eighteen-hole golf course designed by nationally known course architect, William H, “Bill” Diddel.