The 14th Annual Pioneer Open Golf Tournament raised a record total--$70,000--to benefit Sacred Heart University's scholarship program.

The tournament was held on June 2 at the Patterson Club's Robert Trent Jones-designed course in Fairfield,Conn. A field of 132 hit the fairways and enjoyed the challenges of the expertly groomed, par 71 course. A bright, sunny afternoon on the links was followed by the traditional awards dinner. Sponsor appreciation awards were presented by SHU president Dr. Anthony J. Cernera.

A Fairfield, Conn. resident, Mike Brienza, hit the longest drive of the day on the 534-yard 11th hole.

Richard Lovanio, of Trumbull,Conn., captured closest to the pin honors, won on the 6th hole.

The top low-gross foursome which included Trumbull residents Richard Lovanio, Matt Reale, and Brian Truini, along with Brian Luby, of Redding, Conn. posted a 61.

The winning low-net team of Steve Karl and Leo Karl of New Canaan, Conn., along with Gus Koumbaros, of Shelton,Conn. and Marc Lorenti, of Stamford, Conn., posted a 51.2 net score.

Official Pioneer Open tournament sponsors were DELL™ , Lanese Construction, Inc., and Nextel. Golf cart sponsor was Anthony & Reale, Attorneys-at-Law. Hole-in-one sponsors were Karl Chevrolet/Hummer and Bridgeport Harley-Davidson.

The Patterson Club is on tap to repeat as host of the Pioneer Open in 2004.