A smaller than usual group played a fundraising round of golf for Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue this week. The result was nevertheless “fantastic,” according to one of the event chairs.

Due to COVID-19 Phase 2 rules, just 100 people were allowed to compete in the annual event on Monday, September 28, at The Golf Club at Oxford Greens.

Players opened the day with coffee and breakfast sandwiches on the rear patio of the clubhouse. The siren start launched the main course of the day: 18 holes on the popular 15-year-old course whose third hole was recently named the toughest hole in the state by Connecticut State Golf Association.

In muggy conditions and generally overcast skies, participants made their way around the par 72 course, some having a much better day than others. Most appeared to be enjoying themselves.

Once all teams returned to the clubhouse area and the scores were posted, the winners were announced: Greg Brick, Andrew Huntley, Jack List, and Eric Sirachi, who finished the day with a team score of 59. Sirachi also picked up the honor for Closest to The Pin on Hole #13 (9 feet, 7 inches).

Second place was the team of Michael Haglof, Joe LaCava, Sal Menchiore, and Fran Pentino, who finished at 61.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, High Duffer trophies were presented to the golfing pair of Travis Drew and Raymond Smith, whose team score was 83.

Special awards went to Carl Fazio, who was Closest to the Pin on Hole #9 (33 inches); Andrew Huntley, for the Longest Drive on Hole #8 (measurement unavailable); and Brian Warner for Closest to the Line on Hole #13 (measurement unavailable).

Snacks and drinks were served along the course, and then all golfers enjoyed a full lunch back at the clubhouse. Awards and other announcements were made during that time as well.

Monday’s event was the second fundraiser for the fire company this year. Its longstanding LobsterFest, along with a food truck festival and a craft beer tasting event introduced last year, were all canceled due to the pandemic, now heading into its seventh month locally.

While the company did do a mailing to residents and businesses within its district — another annual fundraiser — the golf tournament on Monday was the first in-person event the company has presented this year.

Tim Whelan, who co-chairs the golf tournament with fellow SHVFR members Pete Barresi and Karin Halstead, said the day was very successful.

“For being our first [in-person] fundraiser of the year, with the other being locked out due to COVID-19, this was an overwhelming success,” Whelan said.

“We want to thank our friends, our sponsors, and everybody who helped make it a fantastic day.”

The company is also planning to present its annual Christmas tree sale in late November and December.