In 2001, MARSP President Ernest Mayoros and MARSP President-elect John Caldwell implemented the 1st Annual MARSP Golf Outing. The idea was to have a special event in which members could participate when they came to Lansing for the 2001 Annual Convention, which kicked off the MARSP 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Golf Outing was scheduled at the Eldorado Golf Course, Mason, MI, on Tuesday, June 5, 2001, the day before the convention started. It was a Shotgun Start/Best Ball type of outing. It was open to all MARSP members and staff, their friends and relatives, and MARSP sponsors. Information packets were sent to all chapter presidents, with the hope that there would be enough registrations to pay the expenses of the outing. The outing was a success! The final count was 47 golfers, 3 volunteers and 2 sponsors. Since the idea was to have an event where members could get together and have a lot of fun, the outing wasn’t expected to make a profit, so all extra proceeds were used to buy prizes for the golfers. The weather was cloudy and off again/on again rainy, but the golfers kept playing. By the end of a full day of golfing and a great steak dinner, everyone was smiling and talking about coming back next year.

Because the 1st golf outing was such a success and the MARSP Foundation needed means to obtain funds for its many projects, the decision was made to turn the outing over to the Foundation and to donate the profit to the Foundation. The Annual Golf Outing has continued to be a huge success and enjoyed by all who have participated. In 2002 and 2003, it was again held at the Eldorado Golf Course on the day immediately before the start of the MARSP Annual Convention. In 2002, there were a total of 53 golfers, 4 volunteers, and 14 sponsors. After all expenses were paid, the net profit of the golf outing for 2002 was $1,279.36. In 2003, there were a total 57 golfers, 7 volunteers, and 20 sponsors. After all expenses were paid, the net profit for 2003 was $2,095.94.

Because of its continuing success and growth, the Golf Outing will be an annual event, and the Golf Outing Committee is currently planning the 2005 outing on July 8, 2005. As soon as the location is scheduled, the information and registration form will be placed on the website. It will also be included in the May-June 2005 VANGUARD, and information will be mailed to all MARSP Chapter Presidents. Please continue to check this website and the VANGUARD for updates so that you can join us. We may not be able to guarantee that the day will be sunny, but you will have a good time and make some new golfing friends. Also, a portion of your registration fee will increase the General Fund.