The Annual Ladies Prestonian Golf Tournament was held Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15. A tradition at Prestonwood over the last 20 years, this member/guest tournament has grown from a few Prestonwood ladies and friends on one course to hosting 144 ladies on two courses since 2016. Ladies invite guests locally and throughout the country to fill out their foursomes. Each year there is a different theme the ladies can have fun with, from dressing up to decorating golf carts. 

 

Along with the growth in popularity has come the opportunity to raise money for many local charities over the years. A few of the recipients in the past include the SPCA, Life Experiences in Cary, and Dress for Success. This year was a bit different.

 

Millie Young shares, “We have a very special, long-time member of Prestonwood in Sandy Sully. She has supported women’s golf for as long as I’ve been a member. Sandy has also generously hosted a wonderful party for the Ladies Prestonian members and guests each year. Initially held in her home in the early years, as the Prestonian grew and evolved into two golf courses, Sandy moved the party to the pool on the Saturday of the tournament and eventually to the ballroom on Friday to kick off the event. Her involvement and generosity have helped to make the Ladies Prestonian a premier two-day women’s guest day in North Carolina!”

 

This year, the ladies decided to accomplish two tasks. “We worked with Corral Riding Academy to begin their very first scholarship, and we named it in Sandy’s honor, The Sandy Sully Scholarship Fund! As a champion of both the Corral Riding Academy and Ladies Prestonian, we felt this would be a wonderful way to show our appreciation for all she has done for both by establishing this program named for her in perpetuity! We were thrilled to be able to present the Corral Riding Academy executive team with a check for the Sandy Sully Scholarship Fund during the tournament announcements.” The planning team started with a goal of raising $5,000. “We were able to raise almost $15,000 this year for this special scholarship!” 

 

Corral Riding Academy provides access and opportunities for underserved girls in our community by collaborating with local community partners who identify at-risk girls whom they pair with rescued horses in their 12-week Join the Herd Program. The unique components of their program: equine-assisted psychotherapy, education support, vocational training, and career/college readiness prepare each girl and her community with skills, resources, and opportunities so that she can gain access to a bright future.