Jim Bacus lines up a putt on beautiful hole #3 at The Country Club of Beloit.

Pro-Am Reaches $1 Million Mark

“One” was a popular number on July 31 as Beloit Memorial Hospital’s Pro-Am celebrated its 21st birthday. Not only did the temperature near the 100 degree mark, but the total proceeds for the Pro-Am over the past 21 years topped the $1 million mark!

It was one of the hottest days of the summer (the temperature rose to 98 degrees!), but the golfers didn’t let that slow down their fun or the event's proceeds. Fortunately, a slight breeze, plenty of fluids, cold towels and positive attitudes kept everyone smiling.

"No one seemed to be bothered by the heat," comments Ann Sitrick, Foundation Executive Director. "Golfers love the game in any kind of weather. Thanks to Scott Weiser and a hardworking Pro-Am committee, we had great news to share by the end of the night. We made the announcement at dinner that the Pro-Am had just topped the $1 million mark for its 21-year total!"

Proceeds from the $128,000 that was raised this year will be directed to house the hospital's new MRI. Currently, patients use a mobile unit. However, with the increased usage, a more permanent and patient-friendly home will be constructed inside the hospital. Beloit Memorial Hospital schedules more than 3,500 MRI scans a year for the diagnosis of soft tissue and muscle injuries, brain disease and metastastic cancer.

Bo Van Pelt, a rising star on the PGA Tour, was the featured guest. "Bo is a great guy," says Scott Weiser, 2006 Pro-Am Chair. "He definitely found some new fans in Beloit. We all will be following his career – he has talent and personality."

The 96 amateurs and 24 pros competed bravely in the heat. One highlight was when Dave Bolen, Vice President of Beloit Memorial Hospital, had an opportunity to make a 50-foot putt for $10,000, sponsored by Culver’s. Although the putt was aligned and rolling at the perfect speed, the ball lipped out and came to rest a few inches from the hole. Everyone was poised to jump in celebration of the sunken putt, but unfortunately, it was not to be.

The team of Bill Sullivan, Jeff Klett, Keith Kruse and Emil Pfenninger posted a winning score of 22 under (117) for their team, while Charlie Brown, PGA pro from Racine, topped the pro event with a round of 68.

The annual event was generously sponsored by First National Bank and Trust Co., Kerry Inc., Regal-Beloit Corporation and Tri-Cor Insurance. As Special Gift Sponsor, Fairbanks Morse Engine donated sports sunglasses for all of the amateur players.

The Pro-Am committee thanks all of our volunteers, sponsors, donors and participants for their continued support of Beloit Memorial Hospital Foundation.

(Left) Jim Packard, left, and Charlie Hart, represent two of the major sponsors who help make the Pro-Am such a success. (Center) Special guest PGA Tour pro Bo Van Pelt is surrounded by Pro-Am regulars Miguel and Dan Jimenez. (Right) PGA Tour player Bo Van Pelt (left) and Pro-Am Chair Scott Weiser try to find a little shade on the 98-degree day.