Annual golf tournament to boost scholarship fund in memory of teacher, coach

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Glocester Country Club, which has been around since 1929, is a picturesque, nine-hole public course with a family-oriented layout that’s ideal for a variety of events, including benefit tournaments.

That’s the main reason Johnston High School’s sports family – most notably the Panthers’ prestigious Athletic Hall of Fame – will again host the annual Robert E. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament at the country club on Monday, June 22.

“Glocester is ideal for our fundraising event,” said Gary Mazzie, former Johnston High athletic director and founder of the Hall of Fame. “It’s located on the shores of Waterman Lake, and even on a hot and humid day you get a breeze off the water.”

The tournament will tee off at 12:30 p.m., and the cost is only $100 per golfer for what will actually be an 18-hole scramble event. The registration fee includes golf, a cart, dinner and prizes.

“If people can’t play in the golf tourney, they’re certainly welcome to attend the post-golf dinner,” Mazzie said. The fee for separate dinner tickets is $35 per person.

Those unable to participate in the event can also support the effort by purchasing a tee sponsor sign – priced at $100 – or donating raffle prizes.

Mazzie reflected on Robert E. Smith, for whom the tournament is named.

“Smitty was a highly-respected teacher and coach for many, many years,” he said of his longtime friend and colleague. “He was responsible for countless successes during his years at [Johnston High], and the scholarship fund is a perfect way to keep his name alive forever.”

Smith served in many capacities – as a teacher, as the Panthers’ popular basketball and baseball coach, and as an advisor for many students who attended and graduated from the school through his years.

Anyone who’d like to make a contribution may send a check payable to the Robert A. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund care of Mazzie, 6 Appian Way, Johnston, RI 02929.

“We’re hoping for a great day,” Mazzie said of the upcoming tournament. “We hear that [Glocester greens superintendent] Ralph Simonelli has the course in great and green shape, and that playing conditions are second to none.”

Glocester Country Club, which also has a sandy beach and pro shop, is located in Greenville off Putnam Pike (Route 44) near Chester’s Restaurant. For more information, call 401-949-3330.

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