SofTec Invitational Golf Tournament Full of Fun and Adventure

The phrase “snake in the grass” took on new meaning for golfers at the second annual SofTec Invitational Golf Tournament with a den of rattlesnakes to negotiate (i.e., avoid) on one hole. But all managed with flying colors during a day of great golf, giveaways, hearty chow, refreshing adult beverages, prizes and a little hula-hooping thrown in for good measure. More than 100 supporters hit Lone Tree Golf Club on Friday, July 18, to play for the benefit of OpenWorld Learning (OWL).

(l to r): Mike Torian, Chad Michaels, Jennifer Lewan and Jeff Pelot…BEFORE Hole No. 15!

The day began with a breakfast buffet on the patio before an 8:30 shotgun start. Each foursome included a high-level business executive, offering a chance for some professional networking during the round. Word quickly spread about sponsored holes with giveaways, as well as those with free alcoholic concoctions to battle the summer sun.

Hole No. 15 was party central, complete with freshly made Moscow Mules, a couple of hula hoops and 1980s tunes blasting from an adjoining house—not coincidentally, the home of SofTec CEO and OWL board member Hemal Jhaveri. OWL’s CEO Piep van Heuven took to the golf course to welcome golfers and thank each one for participating.

(l to r): Neil Sanderlin, Ben Barnett, Clint Marley and Troy Oaks

Golfers were also buzzing about Hole No. 14, one that came with a warning about rattlesnakes hanging out in some brush just off the fairway, about 200 yards from the tee. When one golfer hit into the spot, his teammates jokingly reminded him of the snakes and he came back with, “I’ve always wanted a pet.” But when he went to look for his golf ball, it was with club in hand.

Taylor Costello blasts a drive down the fairway.

Golfers received a boxed lunch on the course and their 18 holes of play was followed by an informal cocktail reception. There, low scores and pro-worthy shots were rewarded, and “…missed it by this much” stories abounded.

OpenWorld Learning is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports children’s school success by tapping the power of digital technology and peer teaching to develop leadership and ignite a love of learning. Using interactive technology developed at MIT, programs help children invent, engineer, create and design through fun and challenging, project-based learning. The organization is committed to bridging the digital divide and developing a community of energized learners.

OWL was founded by Chris Myers in 2000 to provide a fun and challenging after-school educational program centered on teaching advanced computer technology to Denver area students. Since then, the organization has proudly served more than 5,000 students with over 550,000 contact hours, including 523 students who received more than 66,474 contact hours during the 2011-2012 school year. For more information, please visit: www.openworldlearning.org.