teaching them to politely applaud our shots,
which they did after every one - good or bad!
The whole thing was incredible.
Somehow, after changing shirts and
socks and shoes multiple times throughout
the day and still soaked with sweat, and
dodging lightening and a downpour, and
feeling my back stiffen from the change
in the wind to cooler air, I felt pretty good
about my game and my ability to make as
many birdies as possible to raise the purse for
the Marty Moraghan Scholarship.
"You're going to crush these people
who are pledging per birdie you know," said
Tony FitzGerald.
"What are you talking about? I'm
saving them money on their 2016 tax return!
AND they are giving to a great cause, the
Marty Moraghan Scholarship!"
It was a little before 6:00pm when
Ryan Zetterholm joined me to play a full 18
holes. Up until now, it had been 9 players
for 9 holes each. But I wanted to play a full
18 with Ryan. A rising senior at Methodist
University, I'd followed Ryan’s career with
much interest. I had the feeling that it would
be a very good and very memorable round if
Ryan and I were to play together in the Marty
Marathon. Most of all, I wanted Ryan to be
part of this day because in 2013 he became
the first recipient of a Marty Moraghan
Scholarship. A special young man who will
forever be a part of my father's legacy.
99 holes in the bank, one hole to go.
And so with the help of Mark
FitzGerald, who handed me a ball with a
hand-written inscription "100th Hole 7/18/16" and Ryan Zetterholm, Gib Sansing
and AJ Ruwet who had been there all day,
we played the 100th hole as a five-some in
front of a small gallery that included my wife,
Nadine.
And just as I had done on hole #1
more than 15 hours earlier, I made a birdie
(my 23rd birdie of the day!)
Happy Birthday, Dad!
***
Postscript: A total of 156 individuals pledged
varying amounts in support of the Marty
Marathon. All 156 honored their commitment
and a number of people contributed more than
their original pledge. In total, $26,526 was
raised in support of the Marty Moraghan
78 / CONNECTICUT STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION / 2016 ANNUAL
Scholarship, the highest single-day amount in
the 60-year history of the CSGA Scholarship
Fund.
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Ryan Zetterholm
tees off with Mike Moraghan watching; Tom Gleeton,
Head PGA Professional at CC of Waterbury (left) and Mark
Bialobrzeski, Director of Golf at Heritage Village CC (right)
both participated in the "Marty Marathon"; Jason Hogan
(left) with Mike Moraghan.
PREVIOUS PAGES (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): Mike
Moraghan tees off on the second of 100 holes for the Marty
Marathon; Marty Moraghan pictured; Bill Cremins (left) and
Mike Moraghan on the 7th hole at Litchfield Country Club.