FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2008

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

2008 Parker Golf Tournament

The first day of summer saw 62 golfers enjoying the 16^th annual Ralph Parker Golf Tournament at the Harvest Hills course in Fairfield.  Tournament proceeds are presented to Montana State University (MSU) College of Agriculture for scholarships for students studying cooperative business principles. 

The tournament yielded some very good scores on a flawless day. The team of Flip & Shawn Zeren, Callan Carter, and Tanner Lagge shot 15 under par 57 to win the championship flight.  Kevin Good, Brian Olson, Mike James and Jim Soldano finished first in the premiere flight with 9 under.

Teams were paid for the first three places in each flight and sponsored prizes were also awarded.  Over $1400 in money and prizes were handed out. Jim Sargent, event coordinator, thanked all the wonderful sponsors that helped with this event.  “I really look forward to next year’s tournament to raise even more money for the Ag Department in Bozeman,” Sargent said.

Dr. Jeff Jacobsen, Dean of the College of Agriculture, discussed the latest developments at the College, and thanked all the tournament sponsors.   Josh Wanago, representing the MSU Athletic Department, updated all in attendance on the condition of the new field being installed at Bobcat Stadium, recruits, and the academic success of the MSU athletes.  Coach Trisha Binford spoke about the women’s basketball program and the upcoming season. 

The annual event is held in memory of Ralph Parker, a longtime Sun River farmer and dairyman who was instrumental in establishing electric, telephone, marketing and supply cooperatives in Central Montana.  The tournament is organized by Farm Credit Services, Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Co., Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA), Ethel Parker, Karl Dorr, Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association (MECA) and the Montana Farmers Union.

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