28th Annual Golf Tourney Draws Big Numbers

Ellie Davis lines up her putt while Molly Gatchell gets a good read on the green

The 28th Annual Jacob’s Ladder Golf tournament arrived out of COVID like a smooth swing hitting the sweet spot for a long drive to the tee. With a shotgun start at noon on May 17th, a field of 18 teams (the largest in memory) filled the Irvington, Virginia, Golden Eagle Golf Course. 

Jacob’s Ladder Board member and “Closest to Pin” winner, Charlie Vaughters, shared his thoughts about supporting the enrichment program, “The word that I like to use about Jacob’s Ladder support is always ‘grassroots’. It’s about friends, families, and talking about our mission with people directly.”

The mission of Jacob’s Ladder is to aid and encourage intellectually gifted, at-risk middle school through high school students to reach their full potential and become leaders equipped to help others in similar economic and social situations.

Climbers, as each student is called, are offered this program at no cost to the family. The year-round program is supported by private donations, along with foundation grants. 

The first rung of the Ladder begins with a residential program in the summer. For four to five weeks each summer, until they begin the 9th grade, the children of Jacob’s Ladder live on campus at an independent boarding school. 

A staff of eight to ten teaching professionals offer each Climber 18 hours of academic instruction each week in a diverse offering of academic programs, cultural, and recreational activities.

A dozen or so Resident Assistants, many of whom are themselves graduates of Jacob’s Ladder, organize a wide array of recreational, athletic, and religious activities; they also supervise dorm life and help the Climbers develop life skills such as punctuality and the meaning of personal responsibility.

Mr. Vaughters continued, “The golf tournament, year (after) year, has embodied that grassroots support. We have great times connecting with other JL supporters before the round, great times golfing on a fun course at Golden Eagle, and then a wonderful after-party with live music, awards, food, and more fellowship.”

“I love that the annual JL golf tournament is a great fundraiser supporting our mission and look forward to it every year.”

Executive Director David Neibuhr thanks each and every golfer, volunteer, and vendor that made this year’s golf tournament a success. “It is wonderful to gather together each year at the Golden Eagle and to award prizes from our generous friends to our generous golfers all in support of the Jacob’s Ladder summer enrichment program and year-round advocacy. Thank you and see you again next year.”  

Jacob’s Ladder thanks the organizations that supplied our winning prizes: The Club at Viniterra, Brickshire Golf Club, The Tides – Golden Eagle Golf Club, The Piankatank River Golf Club, The Brookwoods Golf Club, Ford’s Colony Country Club, Hobbs Hole Golf Course, and Ingleside Wine.

Hall Team of Rick Neurohr, Will Hall, Chuck Cunningham, and Trip Featherston

2021 Golf Flight Prize Distribution

1st Flight Winners

O’BRIEN TEAM: Mike O’Brien, Kevin Crawford, Bruce Harvey, John Wood

1st Flight, 2nd Place

MONROE TEAM: Ryan Caudle, Sterling Caudle, Mike Gates, Cole Herrington

2nd Flight Winners

SCHASCHEK TEAM: Klaus Schaschek, Tom Chapman, Arvid Frankenhoff, Jim Timm

2nd Flight, 2nd Place:

HALL TEAM: Will Hall, Chuck Cunningham, Trip Featherston, Rick Neurohr

3rd Flight Winners:

RAMSEY TEAM: Jay Ramsey, Bill Hicks, Cole Hicks, William Hicks

3rd Flight, 2nd Place:

VAUGHTERS TEAM: Charlie Vaughters, Henry Clifford, Greg Cowart, Philip Matthews

LADIES – 1st Flight Winners:

CLAY TEAM1: Ellie Davis, Molly Gatchell, Seale George, Joyce Mullins

Contest Winners

Chipping: Rick Neurohr

Putting: Matt Moffit, Jr.; Sue Saunders

Closest to Pin: Charlie Vaughters

Longest Drive: Michael O’Heir

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