05/17/2026
The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail Golf Tournament took place on the rainy Saturday morning of May 16th at the Elks Country Club in McDermott, Ohio. Even though the conditions weren’t ideal, and a two hour rain delay interrupted play, the team captained by Buck Whitely persevered to win the 18 hole scramble with a score of 55 or 17 under par.
Whitely’s team consisted of Zach Elswick, Scott Fox, Justin Vansickle and himself. This group won the first place prize of $600 and individual champion plaques. Two teams finished with a score of 57 to tie for second place. The first of which was captained by Mitchell McFarland. He was joined by Quinn Patterson, Kaleb Smith and Micah Wolfe. The other second place team was captained by Corey Prose. He was joined by Tanner Stevenson, Trey Craycraft and Ross Ferrell. These two teams split the second place prize of $300.
There were four winners in the skins game. Each was awarded $110. The team of Thomas Frazier, Matt Hoffman, Kelly Robbins and Drew Edmonds eagled the first hole for the first skin. The second skin was won by the team of Mark Scott, Dean Scott, Jr., Brady Scott and Dan Gash as they Birdied the par three 7th hole. The third skin was won by the team consisting of John Walker, Ben Haaf, Aaron Walter and Joe Albrecht. This group eagled the par four 9th hole. And, the final skin was taken by Mitchell McFarland’s team as they eagled the par five 11th hole.
There were three proximity award champions. Phil Mowery won the closest to the pin award on the 125 yard 4th hole. His tee shot was within two feet of the cup. Keith Goodheart’s 20-foot putt was good enough to win the longest putt competition on the ninth green. And, Ison Emnett crushed his tee shot on the 18th hole well over 300 yards to win the Longest Drive award. Each of these competitors won $100 for their effort.
A donation from Jack Nicklaus, which was matted and framed, was won by Phil Mowery who bid $200 in an open silent auction. The large frame included a compilation of Nicklaus action photos and a facsimile of his final Masters Championship scorecards. Both were autographed by Mr. Nicklaus.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the tournament hosted by the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail was a success. Funds acquired from this event will go to the continued effort of this organization to preserve and recognize the history of Scioto County through signage and beautification projects. There are currently 42 points of interest included on the SSHT map.
The proud members of this committee who were on hand to help with the tournament were Larry Mullins, president, Steve Mowery, secretary, Dr. Jon Lucas, treasurer, Steve Hayes, Kris Walker, Chip Maillet, Ginger Maillet, Chris Niziol, Lynn Grimshaw and tournament director Jay Miller. Other committee members include Bill Tipton, Cork Walker, Becky Climer and Gina Collinsworth.
Anyone wishing to make donations to the Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail may do so by sending a check to P.O. Box 536, Portsmouth, Ohio.
