Over 100 golfers hit the Suffolk Golf Course links for the Fifth Annual Suffolk Education Foundation (SEF) Golf Tournament at the Suffolk Golf Course on Thursday. After four years at the Sleepy Hole Golf Course, the tournament was moved to Suffolk’s only public course for 2002.

The tournament raised roughly $14,000 to benefit Suffolk’s educational system – nearly double its pervious high.

SEF executive director Tom Copeland credited the increase to the foundation’s raising of sponsorship levels.

&uot;This year, sponsors could donate up to $4000 to the foundation,&uot; Copeland said. &uot;We only expected to find one sponsor of that level, but we found two: Physical Therapy Works of Suffolk, and Electronic Systems of Virginia Beach.&uot; The foundation will donate a $1000 scholarship in each organization’s name next year.

&uot;We gave out 18 scholarships last year, and we should give out about that many this year,&uot; Copeland said.

Besides scholarships, much of the money raised will go toward staff development, explained SEF president Caroline Harris. &uot;Teachers sometimes want to do new and innovative things that aren’t covered by school funding,&uot; said Harris, &uot;so they apply for mini-grants from the foundation.&uot; Recent examples of such projects include gardening programs, and helping students use a computer to create a portfolio.

After a tough day on the links, school superintendent Dr. Milton Liverman feasted on coleslaw and fried chicken, provided by Roy and Rick’s Catering.

&uot;I hit the ball often today!&uot; Liverman said with a smile.

&uot;The SEF provides a lot of support for the educational programs in this city,&uot; said Liverman. &uot;It’s also a great opportunity for the business community of Suffolk to make a connection to the schools.&uot; Suffolk Mayor Dana Dickens also competed at the event.

Leah Powell, a member of the team sponsored by Roy and Ricky’s Catering, made her fourth appearance at the event. Her team scored its lowest score ever: a 14-under par 58.

&uot;The score was a combination of everyone contributing,&uot; said Powell, whose two children graduated from Suffolk schools. &uot;I had some good putts and tee shots, but I had the benefit of using the red tees!&uot;

Donald Conner, whose brothers run the catering business, was playing for the first time. &uot;I hit about average today, but I putted well,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m glad a got an afternoon off from work for a good cause.&uot;