Concord Open Tees off with Ninth Edition

It was a hot one out at Concord's Nashawtuc Country Club Monday afternoon, but the 92-degree heat didn't keep the golfers off the greens. After all, they were swinging for a great cause.

The Concord Open — in its ninth year — teed off with 100 players in foursome teams. According to tournament director Michael Towers, 60-70 percent of the golfers are returnees, which Towers said he was thankful for.

The tournament, which had a $300 entry fee per player, raised donations for The Fifty Fund, a beneficiary created nine years ago, as well by Towers and tournament chair Danner DeStephano. The Fifty Fund helps Concord families in need who reach out for assistance, especially with childcare and daycare.

"With this economic instability there has been increasing need by families needing care for their children," Towers said.

He added that the fund has provided money for support to more than 50 children, and during its peak years, which includes now, to more than 100.

With the $30,000 alone raised from the entry fee by the 100 golfers, and the 12-20 sponsors who donated $250 to $3,000-5,000 for apparel, such as golf balls, towels and clubs, Towers said the Open hopes to raise more than $40,000.

"We want to make as much as we can to support," Towers said.

The Open's biggest sponsor is the Lamont family, a Concord family who Towers said simply wants to give.

"They're a very, very kind family. They honestly are a family who doesn't want or need recognition and they've been sponsoring the event since Day 1," said Towers. "They're appreciative of the services that (The Fifty Fund) provides. They wanted an opportunity to stay in Concord to help."

While the real winners of the Open were the generous donators, Towers said there were actual winners of the tournament.

After the 18 holes were played and scorecards were turned in, two foursomes were called champions, with a net score and a gross score. A net score, Towers said, was when the foursome was playing with a handicap, a golfer "who played with any regularity." And a gross score, Towers said, was when the foursome played non-handicap, with the players called scratch golfers.

Two second-place teams were also winners.

When asked what the best thing about the Open was, Towers had more than one answer.

"Certainly attracting quality players to the country club who can have the opportunity to play on a members-only club at one of America's finest," he said.

And Towers turned to the meaning behind the tournament.

"Having sponsors who are committed," Towers said. "People everywhere are in economic crisis. It hits hardest for families in need, in impoverished homes."