By Alexandra Molnar, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Over 100 golfers piled into golf carts to spend a day on the course for the 22nd annual R.F. Wood Kids Classic Tournament held at the Marlborough Country Club July 14. The tournament, in honor of Bob “R.F.” Wood, supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of MetroWest in Marlborough, Hudson and Framingham. This year's tournament drew 138 participants and included raffles, a silent auction, lunch and dinner in addition to the golf competition.
This year the tournament raised over $40,000, all of which will directly benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs and contribute to keeping the yearly membership fee to a minimal cost.
Jeff Wood Sr., Wood's son, who has been involved with the event since its start, said that his favorite part of the event is “seeing everybody happy to be here supporting the Boys and Girls Club.”
Wood, who owned a construction company, built the Hudson Boys and Girls Club. The golf tournament is named in his honor to commemorate his involvement with the Hudson community as well as the values he considered important: “character, honesty, and
integrity,” as described by Jeff Wood Jr, his grandson. Jeff helps to coordinate the event as a volunteer along with his wife, sisters, and other family members.
Fran Hurley, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of MetroWest, characterizes the event as a “combination of great support from the Wood Family, the community, and the sponsors.” He enjoys the dinner at the end of the event when the club presents its annual award, the R.F. Wood Award, which honors a community member who positively contributes to the club. This year's recipient is Gary Violette, director of the Hudson Club.