Despite possessing golf skills much to be be desired, I was honored to participate in SOCMA's 6th Annual Member/Guest Charity Golf Tournament in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, US, last month.
The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) welcomed representatives from over 40 companies this year at the Manufacturers' Golf & Country Club. Golfers of all levels enjoyed beautiful weather and a day of networking, friendly competition and prizes.
A donation will be made by SOCMA to ACS's Scholars' Program from this year's tournament. Following tradition, the check will be presented to ACS at SOCMA's 88th Annual Dinner, being held December 7 at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City.
As a true "hacker" or beginner, I was a bit hesitant about playing with some real pros. The grass actually quivers before I take a swing.
Much to my relief, upon arriving on the course the morning of September 29, I found that we'd be playing a "scramble" format - meaning our team of 4 would choose the best shot from each player to play off of.
And I was fortunate to have such friendly and encouraging folks in my group - Nance Dicciani (former head of Honeywell Specialty Materials and now with Troon Holdings, private equity firm Advent International and on various company boards), Andy Harris (CEO of Syrgis), and Larry Brotherton (founder and CEO of Ortec).
Their patience was incredible, along with their play. Nance won "closest to the pin" for women, and our team came close to placing.
The 2009 tournament winners were:
1st Place:
Ed Flynn - FMC Corporation
Michael Wilsom - FMC Corporation
Ken Garrett - FMC Corporation
Charlie Hinnant - Charkit Chemical Corporation
2nd Place:
Holland Jordan- SOCMA
Dave Swallow - ChemOrganics
Bryant Hinnant - Charkit Chemical Corporation
Longest Drive:
Ladies: Cecilia Hernandez - American Chemical Society
Men: Gary Jeter - G4S Wackenhut
Closest to the Pin:
Ladies: Nance Dicianni - Troon Holdings, LLC: 14'8"
Men: Bryant Hinnant - Charkit Chemical Corporation: 6'3"
Following the tournament, players gathered together for pre-dinner networking in the Clubhouse during the cocktail reception. Dinner, sponsored by Chemspec Events, included an awards ceremony recognizing winning players.
Special thanks to Ben Jones of Century Global who provided perfect arrangement for the day and the use of his course as a member. Mark Carrier of FUJIFILM Imaging Colorants donated his time to serve as Chairman of the planning team, and hosting the awards ceremony.
Many companies also helped make the event possible. GFS Chemicals sponsored Hole 1. Syrgis sponsored Hole 10. Dow Chemical sponsored Hole 18. Attendee gift donations were made by BASF, Cycolnix and Syrgis. SOCMA also thanks Dinner sponsor Chemspec Events and C&EN, its Offical Media Partner.
Photo: Andy Harris, Joseph Chang, Larry Brotherton, Nance Dicciani. Photo credit: SOCMA
Too bad I can't play, but if Tiger Woods will be invited in one of these events, I'll learn as fast as I can just to get his autograph!
Is that a PlayBoy symbol on your jacket?
You would think so, but it's American Eagle! And Doris, who needs Tiger when you have my awesome swing? And for my loyal fans, my autographs are free.