Cherry Valley celebrates Kelly's 30th year
Cherry Valley golf pro Ed Kelly, center, with former and current Cherry Valley Club presidents (from left) Rob Brokaw, Mike Zapf, Bill Nugent, Phil Honerkamp, current president Mike Crowley, Ray Carew and John Finnerty.
The awards luncheon for the season-opening tournament at Cherry Valley Club was going along normally Sunday, which meant head pro Ed Kelly had organized everything and tried to slip away. Not so fast, he was told.
His wife and three children, having been hiding in another room, were ushered in, as were colleagues and friends. It was a tribute to Kelly's 30th anniversary at the club, to 30 years of going above and beyond. "A wonderful man who has given much to many," tournament chairman Gary Fochesto said.
Lifelong friend Jim O'Connell, the dean of basketball writers at the Associated Press, gave a moving speech. Club president Mike Crowley gave Kelly a framed flag that had "30" embroidered where the hole number usually is. Met PGA executive director Charlie Robson made a presentation, as did Kelly's former St. John's teammate Frank Darby (now the St. John's coach). Crowley and six former club presidents posed with the pro on the podium.
"It's a very generous place," Kelly said in an interview later. "I thanked everyone for making me a better person."
Outings
The American Cancer Society's Fourth Annual Doctors of Distinction Swing for Hope Golf Invitational will be Monday, May 16 at Maidstone Club, East Hampton. Email Ann.Herbst@cancer.org . . . St. Johnland Nursing Center will hold its Fourth Annual Golf Classic May 23 at Indian Hills Country Club, Fort Salonga. Call 631-663-2457.
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