One hundred and fifteen high school golfers from across Stark County took to the fairways of Congress Lake Club in Lake Township for the inaugural Phipps Memorial Tournament, a competition previously reserved for collegiate teams. The event unfolded over the weekend in September, opening a historic collegiate fixture to 23 high school teams — ten girls’ squads and 13 boys’ teams — from the region.
North Canton Hoover High School emerged as the dominant force, capturing both team titles. The girls’ team scored 301 to top their field, while the boys’ side finished with a total of 351. Individual honours also went to Hoover players after tense one-hole playoffs. Ellie Hutzler secured first place among the girls with a 74, and Carter Hershberger led the boys with a 72.
The tournament’s expansion into the high school ranks was made possible by the Phipps Memorial Trust Fund at Stark Community Foundation, established in memory of Al Phipps by his wife, Martha. The Phippses were avid golfers and Congress Lake Club members who envisioned an annual tournament promoting golf in Stark County and supporting local scholarships. Since 2010, the Phipps Memorial Tournament had welcomed local colleges and universities before opening its doors to high schools this year.
Dan Clay, fund advisor and tournament overseer, said the turnout and conduct of the young golfers reflected the values Al and Martha Phipps hoped to inspire. “I think Al and Martha would have been proud of the turnout and the behavior of these kids – the way they took care of the golf course and the way they respect each other and the game of golf itself,” Clay said.
That respect extended beyond the competition itself. Lake High School’s golfers, among others, returned to the course after play to repair ball marks and replace divots, actions Clay praised as embodying the spirit of youth golf. Clay’s personal connection to the Phipps legacy runs deep, recalling caddying for Al Phipps himself as a child. “It’s humbling for me that we were able to honor Mr. and Mrs. Phipps by providing this opportunity to young golfers,” he said.
Coaches also expressed gratitude for the chance to participate in the tournament. Minerva High School’s coach Troy Richeson said, “We sincerely appreciate all the time, effort and work that went into making this event possible. Being a part of the first high school Phipps Memorial Tournament is something they will remember for a long time.”
The event relied heavily on the involvement of high school coaches and volunteers, who managed electronic scoring and course logistics to ensure smooth play. Each student who took part received a commemorative ball marker, a memento celebrating the expansion of the Phipps tournament into the high school arena and the Phippses’ ongoing generosity.
Clay reflected on the emotional payoff of the event. “With the turnout and the emotional reward for the kids, it was well worth the time and effort. I didn’t see a kid without a smile on his or her face.”
The Stark Community Foundation, which administers the Phipps Memorial Trust Fund, ranks among the top 10% of community foundations nationwide. Since 1963, it and its donors have granted nearly $300 million to nonprofits. The foundation’s website, starkcf.org, provides further details on its initiatives.
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