FAIRFIELD, Conn., June 18, 2004—The 15th Annual Pioneer Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by Sacred Heart University, raised a record total-- $70,000--to benefit scholarships.  The tournament was held on June 14 at The Patterson Club's Robert Trent Jones-designed course in Fairfield.   A field of over 130 hit the fairways and enjoyed the challenges of the expertly groomed, par 71 course.   The traditional awards dinner followed the afternoon on the links.  Sponsor appreciation awards were presented by Dr. Anthony J. Cernera, president of Sacred Heart University.

A highlight of this year's event was the million-dollar hole-in-one contest, the JetBlue Challenge, sponsored by the SHU Alumni Association.  With a large crowd ringing the 9th green, four golfers, winners of closest-to-the pin honors on selected par-three holes, took their best shots in an exciting post-tournament shootout.  Alas, the million-dollar prize went unclaimed.

Karl Chevrolet-HUMMER of New Canaan was a hole-in-one contest sponsor.
The Patterson Club will again host the Pioneer Open in 2005.