Golfing For First Responders

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The Conestoga Golf Course and Club in Mesquite, Nevada was busy on Saturday, May 22 for the first annual Best of the Best First Responders Charity Golf Tournament sponsored and organized by the Eagle’s Landing Travel Plaza in Mesquite.

The tournament started bright and early as golfers and staff were ready to check-in at Conestoga’s 1880 Grille, which was closed for the tournament. Both Mesquite Police Department and Mesquite Fire Department representatives were present at the opening.

“It is a great day for golf!” said Conestoga Director Mark Whetzel. “The weather is really nice, we have good support, and it is all for a really good purpose! You really couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The proceeds from the tournament benefited the Mesquite Police Department and Mesquite Fire and Rescue Department. The tournament was able to raise $3,790 for each of the two departments for a grand total of $7,580.

Eagles Landing Travel Plaza put up the prize money for the tournament which included a $10,000 grand prize for the top team in the tournament.

“We are excited for this event and proud to be sponsoring an event that shows support to our local police and fire,” said Mesquite Eagle’s Landing general manager Kenny Huff.

The golfers were glad to get golfing in the beautiful weather after a previous two days of nothing but wind.

The tournament opened with a special ceremony featuring a Mesquite First Responders Color Guard presenting the state and national flags. The National Anthem was played to kick off the tournament.

Almost immediately, caravans of golf carts headed out on two different paths in a processional parade to start golfing.

The golfers saw a high of 74 degrees that day with a slight breeze and sunny conditions.
“This weather and course are beautiful,” stated Overton resident and tournament competitor Lorenzo Delgadillo. “This is one of my favorite local courses.”

Delgadillo was part of the team that took the lead and was the first to take a swing in the tournament. Every team competing took their turns on each hole around the course with excitement and sunny dispositions.

“Everyone had fun today,” said Whetzel. “This tournament was all about having fun and doing something special to recognize those who serve us.”

The spirit of camaraderie was palpable. Almost all tournament competitors made mistakes but laughed them off. But they all truly celebrated when a putt went in or a drive landed on the green.
Whetzel’s son, Jaden Whetzel of St. George, Utah; along with his buddy Keaton Brooksby; made up part of the team that seemed to have the most fun of the day. Though they at times showed some brilliant shots with their swings, they also sometimes saw the ball go not in the wrong direction. But laughed it up and just had fun.

The winning team was The Martin Anderson team consisting of Michael Swift, Caden Hammil, Haden Christensen, Afa Vasi, and Jake Vincent. This team shot a 55 with 17 under and went home with the $10,000 cash prize. The team is from Cedar City, Utah, and sponsored by Martin Anderson, owner of Imperial Window and Door as well as Toadz Bar.

“We are looking forward to hosting this tournament annually and continue the success of Conestoga Golf Club,” stated Mark Whetzel.

Other premium sponsors at the event included Casablanca Resort, Southwest Gas, City of Mesquite, Polaris World, Monte Holm, Mesquite Ford.
Huff, of Eagles Landing LLC., also expressed gratitude to the Conestoga for hosting the tournament. He also appreciated all those who helped make the tournament a success.
“We are definitely looking forward to continuing this new tradition and tournament for many years to come,” said Huff.

Eagles Landing principal owner, Mark Yardley, also participated in the tournament and had a jovial spirit for the event.

“This is beautiful!” Yardley said. “The weather is great and we all have the opportunity to do something we enjoy for people we appreciate.”