Mayors, city engineers to compete in inaugural putting contest

Marion, Iowa // July 19, 2011

Two area mayors and two local city engineers will see who has the better short game during the inaugural “Mayoral Putting Contest” at the Greater Cedar Rapids Open Pro/Am on Thursday, July 21, at Hunters Ridge Golf Course. Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, Robins Mayor Ian G.S. Cullis, Hiawatha City Engineer Dick Ransom, and Marion City Engineer Darin Andresen will test their nerves in the 1:30 p.m. contest on the practice green. The winner will take home a traveling trophy.

“This is a great way for the mayors and city officials in our communities to step forward and show their support for a wonderful event, while also having some fun,” said Corbett. “The proceeds from the tournament as a whole go to some wonderful charities, and I really hope the people of our communities come out to watch some great golf and show their support.”

According to GCRO Committee Member Pat Lang, who organized the contest, neither Marion Mayor Paul Rehn nor Hiawatha Mayor Tom Theis have ever had a golf club in their hand. Yet, both are extremely supportive of the contest and the tournament, which attracts hundreds of top-notch golfers to the greater Cedar Rapids area. In fact, Mayor Rehn will read a proclamation declaring his city’s support of the annual tournament.

The GCRO, established in 1999, provides a showcase for aspiring professional golfers from around the world while also benefiting area non-profit organizations. Through 2010, the tournament has given back more than $100,000 to organizations, including Camp Courageous and The Salvation Army, throughout the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor.

For information about the tournament, visit www.gcropen.com or call Co-Founder Jim McPartland at 319-310-5745. If you would like to volunteer at this year’s tournament, call Gregg Klocke at 319-533-2256 or send an email to gklocke@aegonusa.com. Emails also can be sent to gcropen@gmail.com.