The Paul Gearheart Memorial Golf Tournament

In 19 we decided that the casual golfing that was going on during reunions should be changed to an official tournament to be held each and every reunion. Anyone could participate, including women and older children. Usually, the men on each year's committee would choose the teams either by drawing names, or just by putting people together with at least one good golfer on each team. The rest were just divided up while trying to separate immediate family members as much as possible. This gave the golfers the chance to play with different members of the Gearheart family to make it fair and interesting, so that you get to play with different people that you might not otherwise get to play with. When choosing a reunion site, the committee must always consider whether there is a golf course close by, and is in charge of getting the tee times set up. Tee times are usually set up as early as possible so that everyone can be done around noon and get back to the reunion. After Uncle Paul's death, the family decided to name the tournament in his honor. Also, when Uncle Marvin died, the family named the trophy the Marvin Gearheart Memorial Trophy in his honor. After reunion is over, the committee has to add that year's winners plaque to the trophy. Over the years some really hilarious hijinks have happened; such as, golf balls hitting buildings, trees, downpouring rains, being chased and stung by bees, etc. Only one woman has been lucky enough to be on a winning team, Judith, and we are very proud of her. Gifts are given away at the end of reunion for closest to the pin, longest drive, and the winning team.