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In it to Wynn it

Matt O'Neill, Tribune sports writer

It may be the end of summer, but not the end of golf season.

Local ball strikers have an opportunity to come out and win money and prizes, while having a good time.

The 20-year-old John Wynn Open celebrates the ending of the vernal season and the life and times of John Wynn, former director of the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. The annual event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Tahoe Tribune, is slated for Sept. 21th at Lake Tahoe Golf Course.



“It’s meant to be fun day where you can let your hair down,” Dwayne Wallace said. “I’m proud to be involved with something with his name.”

Members of the chamber, including John Wynn and Dick Shehadi, began the tournament as a good time. Along the way, the tournament became a fund-raiser for the chamber, while keeping the element of fun involved.



About seven or eight years ago, the tournament, was renamed the John Wynn Open, to honor the former executive director, who died of cancer.

“We were looking for a way to honor him and all the great work he did for the community,” tournament director Gail Taylor said. “This tournament was the best way to do that.”

Numerous prizes and awards are set to be given away to competitors. There are mid-week ski passes to Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood, along with gift certificates for dining and services from many local businesses.

There are three hole-in-one chances for golfers as well. Hole No. 2 is sponsored by L and J’s Jewelers and Sunglass Time and offers golfers $10,000 in merchandise.

The sixth hole, sponsored by Shehadi Motors, South Shore Motors and Tahoe Auto Village, offers a chance at $20,000 value automobile, and the 11th hole is sponsored by Casteel Corp. and the Factory Stores at the Y, and tenders $10,000 in cash for duffers.

“Three years ago a golfer won a new car with a hole-in-one,” Taylor said. “So anything is possible out there.”

There is also a long drive contest sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and a putting contest by Bank of America.

The tournament has been a sellout for numerous years, but the 2000 edition has sold out in record time as there are no longer any spots available with the event still a week away.

“We want to invite everyone to come out and have a good time,” Taylor said. “Even if you aren’t competing, just come by and say hi.”


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