HAVERHILL — Those in need this upcoming holiday season just got some good news.
The 55th annual Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund Hole in One contest at Murphy’s Garrison Golf Center in Haverhill broke another record, raising $12,600 for those in need during Christmas.
It has topped over $300,000 for local families since its inception.
The four-day event toppled last year’s total of $10,000, drawing a record number of players who not only paid $10 for a bucket of balls but $5 for the putting contest, which was added six years ago.
“The putting contest, run by Jim Grant, has helped take us to another level,” said Mary Murphy, who co-owns the range, putting green and par-3 course with her husband Ted Murphy.
“As I’ve said, this is a great event for us in that we see so many old friends that come back,” she said. “But what was even better was he had a lot of golfers, too. That’s great to see. Overall, we couldn’t be happier and thankful for the support.”
Of the estimated 10,000 or so balls hit at the range over the four days, two went in the cup for a hole in one.
Former Haverhill High golfer and recent graduate of UMass Amherst, Patrick Kelleher, had the first on opening day. A day later, Haverhill High golfer and hockey player, Jack Kelly, hit the dream shot.
The Murphys get a lot of help, including more than a dozen volunteers, including the Hillies golf team, which helps in retrieving balls, and students from Whittier Tech, thanks to Whittier’s Rich Porcelli, who handles registration.
“This is all about the volunteers,” said Mary Murphy. “Our son Kevin and his wife Kristin really do most of the work on our end. They deserve as much credit as everyone. I’m the one who works the phones. When people hear my voice on the other end they know what I’m asking for.”
More than 50 area businesses donated prizes for the daily winners, including these golf courses: Bradford Country Club, Renaissance Golf Course, Haverhill Country Club, Far Corner Golf Club, Windham Country Club, Hickory Hill Golf Club, Granite Fields Golf Course, and Apple Hill Golf Course.
“We are so lucky and believe we need to help others less fortunate,” said Mary Murphy, “especially during the holidays,”