The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Golf for opportunity
32nd annual Jack Nicklaus Scholarship event to tee off Aug. 8 at Elyria Country Club
A Lorain County Community College Jack Nicklaus scholarship golf benefit has been a favorite by bringing golf celebrities from around the country to the Elyria Country Club in the name of education.
Beginning in 1990 when LCCC Trustee Judge Joseph Cirigliano brought his close friend Jack Nicklaus to Lorain County for the first event, the golf benefit since has developed into a rally for raising funds for students at LCCC.
Nicklaus vowed as an exchange for his presence at the event, certain parameters were required that the money raised and financial goals met would go to giving back to the college and community.
And 32 years later, the promise still stands by the college doling out over $1.25 million in scholarships.
Professional golfer and television personality Jimmy Hanlin, who is director at Little Mountain Country Club and StoneWater Golf Club, will help to carry on Nicklaus’ wishes making this year’s golf benefit no different from past years.
Hanlin plans to bring on three women pro golfers to showcase, teach and host this year’s benefit outing.
“These girls are my cohosts and are incredibly talented in golf,” he said. “In the past, we have brought in golf celebrities, and this year, we wanted to showcase the women of golf.
“They will be doing everything from hosting to clinics and hit shots on parthrees at the event.”
The stars are Alexandria O’Laughlin, Caroline Collins and Claire Hogle.
The women have been playing golf since young ages and say they are happy to continue their love for the sport through this event.
Collins, co-host of Hanlin’s Swing Clinic television show on Fox Sports, has won several awards for golfing throughout her time in college at Point Park in Pittsburgh.
“I’m very passionate about raising funds for young girls in the golf industry and this benefit is no different, Collins said.
Hogle, who was born and raised in San Diego, also grew up around golf.
She played high school and college golf and had earned scholarships.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to build communities through my social media space, and I truly hope my page inspires more women and young people to take up the game,” Hogle said.
O’Laughlin rounds out the all-star group devoted to the benefit.
The golf and travel correspondent, she has been a reporter for the game, highlighting golf architects, players and courses throughout the country as well as securing her own wins in the male dominated sport.
“In 2021, I won the ATS European Tour Event alongside my partner Jessica Korda, which was really amazing,” O’Laughlin said. “I’ve been playing since I was 13, and became captain of the college team at Lewis University pretty quickly.
“Golf has become my passion and I wish to inspire more young women in the sport.”
The women will appear at the event from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 8, at the Elyria Country Club, 41625 Oberlin-Elyria Road.
Hanlin said he and his co hosts look forward to the event which hopes to continue to raise funds for scholarships so that more students can attend college.
“It’s so cool to see how the community takes pride in the community college,” he said. “I know the president of the college comes in and talks about how these funds help people go to school who typically can’t afford it, and I find that just absolutely amazing.”
The cost for a single golfer is $600 and includes a golf cart, golf gift package, entry to the exhibition, refreshments and access to all 18 holes.
For those with sponsorships, the cost is $500 and includes all the same items.