PICKENS — Eleven teams participated in the 12th annual Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Award Golf Tournament held at Pickens Country Club on May 7.

The event, which is held annually, raises money for scholarships that will be awarded to Pickens High School basketball team members who plan to further their education. A senior from the varsity girls’ team and a senior from the varsity boys’ team will receive the scholarship awards later this month.

First-place winners in the annual Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Golf Tournament were, from left, Chad Roper, Craig Roper, Matt Gutschow and Josh Durham.

This will be the 13th year the scholarship has been presented in honor of the late Charles Rogers, a man who gave so much to Pickens High School as a player and coach for so many years.

“This tournament honors the memory of Charles Rogers, and his legacy lives on through this award,” PHS girls’ coach Butch Morris said. “It’s the least we can do for a man that gave his time and talents to Pickens High School, as well as our community.”

First-place winners of the tournament were Chad Roper, Craig Roper, Matt Gutschow and Josh Durham. Second place went to Clyde Carr, Tom Green, Bernard Johnson and Tee McGowens. Third-place team members were Tyler Burgess, Parker Owens, Derek Smith and Seth Lamb. Other winners were Bernard Johnson and Tom Green for longest drive, and Craig Roper and Matt Gutschow for closest to the pin.

Of course, the big winners from the golf tournament are the future recipients of the scholarship award, as donations brought in almost $2,500. The first year the award was given in 2004, seniors received $200. This year the scholarship award will be $1,000.00. The scholarship money they receive can be put towards their college education.

“This scholarship fund continues to grow thanks to so many caring and giving individuals,” Morris said.

Morris gave a special thanks to Rodney Wakefield for coordinating the event again this year, as well as a sincere thank you to all the participants and the volunteers who made the tournament run smoothly. Donations for the fund can be turned in at South State Bank in Pickens.