VILLAGE OF FAYETTEVILLE – Lyndon Golf Course was once again the site of the CNY Snolf Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 5.
The annual tournament, which sees people from the surrounding area partake in a nine-hole round of golf in the snow, had been postponed this year because of a shortage of snow on the original date of Jan. 22.
Like last year, the 2023 event was organized by the operators of sponsoring business Cafe 119 Carolanne and Charles Porto, Cicero Town Councilor Mike Becallo and a team of volunteers.
The tournament was open to both experienced and inexperienced golfers since Carolanne Porto said it could be anyone’s game when snow factors in.
“You could be the worst golfer and do great or be the best golfer and not do so great because the snow changes the dynamic,” she said. “It’s so much fun because it’s so different.”
Village of Manlius Trustee Hank Chapman, one of the day’s participants, said he grew up frequenting the Fayetteville course at 7054 E. Genesee St.
“It’s a really nice part of our community here, and it’s nice that they open it up for an event like this,” Chapman said.
He added that he’s happy to have been involved in the first two tournaments of this type.
“The weather’s not too bad at all if you bundle up, plus it’s a lot of fun and it’s for a great cause,” he said.
Ashley Smith, an officer in charge of road patrol, training and public information speaking for the Cicero Police Department, showed up with a purple, metallic snowsuit. Smith, who said it was her first time golfing on anything other than a putt-putt course, added that the sun warmed everyone up as the afternoon approached.
Carolanne Porto said that overall the temperature was warmer this year while the amount of snow was only a dusting compared to the multiple feet of covering in 2022.
She said there was a satisfactory turnout of familiar people and new faces and that there were more volunteers this year than last.
As was the case last winter, the snolf, or snow golf, tournament doubled as a fundraiser. With the Cicero Police Department taking the lead with the selection of families that will benefit, all proceeds are going toward covering energy bills for those in need through the remaining months of cold weather.
“We help people 24/7/365,” said Cicero Police Chief Steve Rotunno. “This is just another avenue that we can join with to help give back to the community in a way other than showing up on police calls. We’re glad that we’re asked to be a part of it, and we’ll be a part of it next year.”
Carolanne Porto said she hopes the event gets bigger and bigger each time because the more people that pay to play, the greater the amount of money that goes toward taking care of energy bills.
“We have a great time, and it’s just wonderful to have the awesome people that support it,” said Becallo, who dressed in a Scottish outfit complete with a kilt for the tournament.
The golfers on Feb. 5 were only allowed to use one club each to hit the brightly colored balls, and there were prizes for best costume, closest to the pin and top team.
The registration fee for the wintertime tournament included doughnuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and other drinks as well as entrance to a private reception that followed down the street at Papa Gallo Mexican Restaurant, where local rock band The Party Sharks performed.