Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor golf tournament raises more than $18K

Dorothy Faidley, widow of long-time volunteer Karl Faidley, and Richard Faidley, the Faidleys’ son, were present at this year’s golf classic. Richard drove up from Texas to help drop the golf balls from Westar’s bucket truck. Pictured from left to right: Sarah Griggs, executive director; Richard Faidley; Dorothy Faidley; and Jan Pringle, committee co-chair.

Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor’s 24th Annual Dick Metz Memorial Golf Classic on May 6 raised more than $18,800 for the Manor’s Good Samaritan Program.

The tournament was named for the late golf pro and Arkansas City native, Richard “Dick” C. Metz, who was a leading golf pro in the 1930s and 1940s. In his career, he won 14 professional victories and was inducted into the Kansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1991.

After Metz’ death, a golf tournament named for him was started to benefit the Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Program, which provides assistance for residents who have out-lived their financial resources through no fault of their own.

“Our golf tournament continues to be a huge success from year-to-year,” said Sarah Griggs, executive director for Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. “We are so blessed to have a large group of businesses, organizations and individuals who support Presbyterian Manor and our mission, not only at the tournament, but throughout the year.”

Seventy-two golfers participated in the four-person scramble tournament.

Prior to tee off, the annual ball drop was held, which was named in memory of Karl Faidley, long-time friend and supporter, in 2016. Westar Energy provided the bucket truck, and 275 numbered golf balls were dropped.

Dorothy Faidley, Karl’s widow, and Richard Faidley, Karl’s son, attended the pre-tournament events and helped executive director Sarah Griggs present the winnings to the winners of the ball drop that were present. The ball drop typically raises at least $2,000 each year for the Good Samaritan Program on its own.

Mike Walker’s ball landed closest to the pin and won $500. Keith and Nancy Wilson’s was the second closest, which earned a $300 prize and Vincent Rodriques’ landed third closest, winning $200. The ball drop winners graciously donated $800 of the $1,000 winnings back to the Good Samaritan Program.

The winners of the pre-tournament putting contest were Miles Abbey in first and Nick Kennard in second, after a putt-off because both men had a hole in one with their first putt. Clint Combs came in third, and Tony Watkins was fourth. Each of these gentlemen received golf packages at either Great Life Golf & Fitness, Springhill, Quail Ridge and Winfield Country Club.

The A Flight winners with a score of 59 were Terry Dubach, Bruce Bland, Russ Meinen and Jim Lockwood. The B Flight winners with a score of 70 were Michael Mora, Jeremy Pike, Noah Befort, and Mark McGee.

“We couldn’t do this tournament every year without the tremendous support we receive from the Cowley County community,” Griggs said. “The residents who receive help through the Good Samaritan Program thank you.”

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