It was 8:00 on the morning of July 4, 2026 – our nation’s 250th birthday – and The Landings Golf Club was buzzing with excitement. A full field of 84 golfers, dressed in their finest patriotic red, white, and blue, gathered in the cart staging area ready to “light up” the course in The Landings’ Fourth of July Red, White & Boom Scramble. Even in the July heat, the tournament sold out with 21 foursomes eager to compete. Every cart was filled, and a few energetic (and heat-resistant!) golfers even chose to walk the course.
Before the shotgun start, U.S. Army veteran Steve Davison led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Head Golf Professional Justin Glover then reviewed the rules and explained the net scramble format before sending the teams to their starting holes. Teams competed in one of three patriotic flights – Revolutionary, Liberty, and Freedom – with first- and second-place honors awarded in each.
As play progressed, distant rumbles of thunder could be heard, but with no lightning in the area, the tournament continued. Then came one of the day’s biggest highlights when Ann Drennan aced the 14th hole with a spectacular hole-in-one!
The celebration was short-lived, however. Just one hole later, dark clouds rolled in and the skies opened. For about 20 minutes, golfers sought shelter wherever they could find it. My group huddled beneath umbrellas under a large tree while others tucked themselves into every available nook and cranny around the course. We even wondered if the tournament had been called off. But as quickly as the storm arrived, it passed. The sun peeked through the clouds, golfers began emerging from their hiding places and play resumed. We may have been soaked, but our spirits certainly weren’t dampened.
Following the round, Food and Beverage Director Debbie Tuaileva and her banquet staff treated everyone to an outstanding Independence Day buffet. A huge selection of fresh salads, fruit, barbecue favorites, made-to-order tacos, and delicious desserts ensured that no one left hungry. It was a fitting finish to a memorable day on the golf course.
During the luncheon, Justin and the golf staff presented the tournament awards.
Revolutionary Flight: winners: Cheryl and Jon Box, Carol and Pat Milkovich; runners-up: Allen Shoesmith, Dee Bellar, Jeffrey Parrett, and Virginia Miller.
Liberty Flight: winners: Nancy and Dennis Yavorsky, Donna Hendricks, and Lin Muysson; runners-up: John Mandrewicz, JoAnn Turpin, Barbara and Matt Coneys.
Freedom Flight: winners: Rob Streeter, Larry Patey, Larry Scheub, and Al Palumbo; runners-up: Rosann and Jerry Lamore, and Vicki and Jamie Resor.
Congratulations also go to the Closest-to-the-Pin winners: Jeff Parrett, Larry Patey, Judy Kennedy, and Martha Whipple for their outstanding shots.
A few days after the event I spoke with Justin to tell him how much we appreciated all his hard work, making this one of the best, most fun and memorable golf events in quite some time. When I asked him how he felt things went he replied, “It was great to see how our membership embraced the Red, White & Boom event as we celebrated America’s 250th birthday. Members signed up with their own foursomes, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere from the very beginning. Despite a brief rain delay, the pace of play remained outstanding, and everyone enjoyed a great BBQ lunch followed by our awards presentation and fellowship.
“One of the highlights of the day was an exciting hole-in-one during the tournament, which added even more energy and excitement to an already memorable event. The smiles on the golf course and the positive feedback we received throughout the day were exactly what we hoped to accomplish.
“This event was especially meaningful for myself and my staff – Garrett Farmer, Chris Lajoie, and James Pasteur – as it provided an opportunity to showcase the level of organization, hospitality, and member experience we are committed to delivering at The Landings Golf Club. We look forward to building on this momentum and creating many more memorable events for our membership.”
So, from patriotic attire and great golf to a dramatic rainstorm, a hole-in-one, outstanding food, and plenty of laughter, the 2026 Red, White & Boom Tournament was a wonderful way for Landings members to celebrate America’s 250th birthday together. Special thanks go to Justin Glover, the golf staff, Debbie Tuaileva and her banquet team, and everyone who helped make this Independence Day celebration such a tremendous success.
PHOTOS BY JACKIE WAGNER
