After 34 Years, Changes format and adds Sarah Hunter Three Junior-Pro Tournament August 7
MANCHESTER, VT – Manchester Country Club (VT) has reimagined and expanded how it will honor its former head golf professional, the late Sarah Hunter. After 34 years of hosting the Sarah Hunter Spring Classic, MCC is introducing a major junior golf tournament, affectionately renamed “The Sarah Hunter Three Junior-Pro Tournament” held August 7th at MCC. In addition, MCC has collaborated with Haystack Golf Course in Wilmington VT who will take over the reins to host the Sarah Hunter Spring Classic, May 18-19-20.
In conjunction with the VTPGA, “The Sarah Hunter Three Junior-Pro Tournament” one-day August 8 event, invites junior golfers aged 12-18 to participate and play as a team with each team made up of three juniors and one golf professional.
“Sarah Hunter was a pioneer in junior golf and created a thriving youth golf program while at Manchester,” said Michelle Dougherty, General Manager of MCC. “She grew up playing golf at a country club and learned to love and respect the game. She believed golf courses were places to teach children about life, how to behave around adults and how to learn to enjoy competition. Teaching – and teaching children were so important to Sarah, so we can’t think of a better way to honor her with a junior event and expand her legacy by teaming up with Haystack to continue the Spring Classic.”
Sarah Hunter in 1986.
Fast forward to 2023, MCC’s membership has grown with an increasing number of families and junior golfers. Under current Head Golf Professional Peter Weatherby’s oversight, the junior golf program is thriving and has become a focal point.
“The renewed family atmosphere at Manchester sets us apart from other clubs in the area and in many ways has come full circle harkening back to 1986 when Sarah Hunter was our then Head Golf Professional,” added Dougherty.
Peter Weatherby, PGA – Head Professional at MCC added, “I am excited to see the evolution of Sarah Hunter’s Memorial event. From everything I have read and been told, Sarah was a true representative and champion for Junior golf in Vermont. She focused on growing the game of golf by helping junior golfers enjoy the sport. Most golf professionals, like myself, were introduced to the game as a junior. Whether it was a summer golf camp, a passionate PGA professional, or an exciting and competitive junior golf event. It really is a privilege to give back to the game and honor Sarah Hunter’s legacy by hosting an annual Vermont PGA Junior event in her name.”
For more information about the Sarah Hunter Three Junior-Pro Tournament, contact Pete Weatherby pweatherby@mccvt.com. In addition to the tournament, MCC is facilitating a scholarship program in Sarah’s name.
For more information about the Sarah Hunter Spring Classic, May 18-19-20, contact Haystack Golf Course’s Head Golf Professional – Johnny Cleanthes at 802-464-8301 or via email jcleanthes@pga.com.
Editor’s Note: Hunter, who served as an assistant pro at Manchester Country Club for multiple years, was promoted to head golf pro in 1986, the same year she was tragically killed. She was 32 years old. The case remains unsolved.
About Manchester Country Club:
MCC is a private, member owned club situated in the beauty of southern Vermont. MCC offers a social calendar full of member events ranging from golf, tennis, and social gatherings. Open for play since 1970, the Geoffrey Cornish designed course has been recognized as one of the finest in New England. MCC has a proud history of supporting golf on all levels and has hosted prestigious local and regional tournaments including the 2021 New England Senior Amateur Championship, 2021 US Senior Amateur Qualifier, and the 2020 Vermont PGA Stroke Play Championship. In 2023, MCC will host the Senior Amateur Qualifier, Tuesday, July 25. The Club also has Har-Tru tennis courts, a Trackman Launch Monitor. Full-service food and beverage offerings which includes the Tap room offering pub fare, a formal dining room for special events, an outdoor deck with scenic views of the front nine and Mount Aiolis and a casual outdoor bar with lawn games, comfortable seating and a firepit. The Club can host events up to 150 people. Memberships to suit your needs and wants and lessons are available, with golf and tennis clinics and events held throughout the season. For more information call or visit www.mccvt.com.
