In the team competition, professional Aaron McClay’s team of Steensland, Skarda and Johnson took the 2010 title by shooting -63. Ensrud, Klein, Bienash and Passe took second at -54, while Snyder, Grove, LeRoy and Schouweiler took third at -50.

“I was nervous, playing with some many well-respected golfers and having so many people watch me,” he says, “but it ended up being a really fun experience.”

Tom has since played in 36 Tapemark tournaments, not only because he says it is a fun event, but also because of the great cause it supports. And winning doesn’t hurt either. Tom has been a member of the winning team twice, and is hoping for his third win this year. Well, this year, or the year after that, or maybe even the year after that – since he plans on playing for as long as Tapemark will let him, he’s really in no rush!

Then there’s the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am – easily the finest fundraising golf event in which I’ve ever played. There are a several reasons for this both having to do with golf and with the charities that the tournament serves.  First, it’s a real tournament! Imagine that. The Tapemark is not only among the longest charity events of its kind in the United States, it’s considered one of the Minnesota Section PGA’s 4 “Majors.” Ask any golf professional in the state and not only do they know about it, they will also tell you it’s one of the best events of the year.

Secondly, as an entrant in the field, you are paired with a PGA professional who is competing as an individual and also with you as a member of your team. Though I would stop just short of saying this is a “stressful” event for the amateurs, there is an authentic competitive influence when playing.

The most significant part of playing in the Tapmark though, is the charity aspect. The event benefits multiple non-profit agencies that help people who live with developmental and learning disabilities. In the near 40 years that the event has been played, they’ve donated more than $6 million to local charities. These agencies have come to rely on the generous contributions from the event and sustain various programs that benefit their constituents year after year.

The lives of some of the golf professionals who play are affected by the work of the Tapemark and their affiliate charities. Of course many of the amateur golfers also realize the positive impact.

Finally, there’s tremendous “value” for the golfers in the event. Assuming you make the cut, you play three rounds at Southview Country Club, a wonderful dinner party Saturday night and easily the best tee gifts that you’ll find at any charity tournament bar none!

Yes, this is a charity golf event in a market where you can find multiple fundraising golf events every week, but I guarantee you, if you play the Tapemark, it will be nothing like any other golf event you’ve ever played before.

It was Wittnebel that had the biggest impact, though scoring 11 points Friday, 12 more Saturday and nine more on Sunday. His -32 went a long way in deciding the outcome.

Professional Clayton Rask (Monticello CC) led his team to second place at -67. This squad took the lead Friday, running up a gaudy 28-under par score. Pat Tinucci (Southview CC), Tim Dove (Bristol Ridge WI) and Brent Iserman (The Classic at Madden’s) were all big point-getters throughout the weekend.

Cigar-smoking Eddie Wynne (Stoneridge) led a last-day charge (-26) to finish at -64 to claim the bronze medals. His foursome of Mike Callahan (St. Cloud State), Bob Verkuilen (Stonerock, NE) and Jon Jasken (Forest Hills GC) was stellar from tee to green throughout the sun-soaked weekend.

Big-hitting Billy Barnhart won the Low Gross Amateur trophy, finishing one-under for 54 holes. Barnhart (winner of the 2008 Minnesota State High School Class AA Tournament representing Park Cottage Grove HS) shot 66 the first day, then made his lead hold up in the final 36 holes. Six strokes back were Jon Empanger (Island View), Joel B. Johnson (Tanner’s Brook) and Terry O’Loughlin (Logger’s Trail) at +5.