by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Meninak, Rotary play for charity, bragging rights
The annual competition between the Rotary Club of Jacksonville and Meninak Club of Jacksonville has always been fierce and fun, but the 44th installment of the annual golf tournament Monday had slightly higher stakes.
The usual standing bet of the losing civic organization donating $1,000 toward a charity of the winning organization’s choice was scrapped in favor of a $3,000 contribution this year, as the last two years saw no winner – two years ago the tournament was rained out, while last year’s outing resulted in a tie.
“We have two great organizations and many friendships showcased in this tournament each year,” said Rotary President Steve Bacalis in his closing remarks to the crowd. “May the best team win.”
Meninak President Bunky Johnson called the annual luncheon and tilt one of the most enjoyable of the year, and one that always ends up fun day of golf. This year’s outing saw more than 50 members combine sign up for the event, in what many commented was “one of the most beautiful golf days” they’d seen.
While not everyone played golf, more than 150 members of the two organizations attended the luncheon festivities with keynote speaker Dan Hicken, Ch. 12/25 sports director, who talked all things football to the group including University of Florida football, quarterback Tim Tebow, Florida State University coach Bobby Bowden and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After the final group arrived back at the clubhouse and the scorecards were tallied, the Rotary Club was declared this year’s winner. Individual honors went to Meninak member Keith Kinsells, who dropped his shot on the 8th hole three feet, five inches from the cup and Rotarian Richard Danford, who had the longest drive of the day on the 1st hole.
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