Annual Golf Tournament Boasts Great Success

October 11, 2011

Christendom College held its 2nd Annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament on October 7 at the Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club in Front Royal, Va. Kicking-off Homecoming Weekend, the tournament raised over $10,000 for the college's Scholar-Athlete Scholarship.

"It was another great success," Athletic Director Chris Vander Woude said. "The beautiful day guaranteed a great time and was enjoyed by all. I can't thank all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers enough for their generous support of the tournament."

Alumni, friends, and supporters of the college came together to assist in the hosting of the tournament, which featured various contests, raffles, and door prizes.

"I'm certain that the event will continue to see success. It is simply a great day," Vander Woude said.

Chris Vander Woude (left) with this
year's tournament winners.

Ranked as the 3rd best golf course in Virginia, Blue Ridge Shadows provided participants with a great game of golf. Joseph Volk, Mike Volk, Scott Hardy, and Scott Rohland of National Vendor Management Services were the tournament winners.

The Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholar-Athlete Scholarship strives to offer students who excel in academics, leadership, and athletics the chance to attend Christendom.

Former Athletic Director Tom Vander Woude—for whom the scholarship is named—died saving the life of his youngest son on September 8, 2008. He was dedicated to the character development and personal formation of young people, especially in the areas of both intercollegiate and intramural athletics.

Golfing in style: alumni dressed in
official tournament merchandise.

Recipients of the scholarship are given the opportunity, as Thomas Vander Woude believed, to be formed mentally, spiritually, and physically. The scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman each year, as funds permit. More scholarships hope to be added in the future, and efforts are being made to establish an endowment for the scholarship fund, providing a truly lasting legacy.

"The tournament is a great way to keep the memory of my dad alive and strong—especially the values he believed in—which encompass the philosophy behind the scholarship fund," Chris Vander Woude said.

Anyone interested in more information about the scholarship or donating to the scholarship fund should contact Athletic Director Chris Vander Woude at athletics@christendom.edu or click here.

Share this story: