The inaugural Conservation Cup teed off in spectacular fashion on August 15, 2025, at the scenic Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club in Front Royal. Under clear skies and a blazing summer sun, passionate golfers and conservation advocates came together for more than just a tournament; it was a day of spirited play with the powerful purpose of raising funds to protect the land of the Piedmont region.
“Plenty of smiles were seen on the greens,” said tournament chairman Jerry Dabrowski. “We sincerely thank PFHCF, our generous sponsors, fearless golfers, the team at Blue Ridge Shadows, and our dedicated volunteers who made the event such a success.”
Undeterred by the summer heat, participants showed up with skill, spirit, and unstoppable energy, turning this brand-new event into a success. A sincere thank you goes to Daphne Alcock and Jerry Dabrowski, whose vision and dedication brought the Conservation Cup to life. Their leadership, combined with the tireless efforts of our incredible volunteers and the generous support of our committed sponsors, made this inaugural tournament not only possible, but truly memorable. We also extend deep gratitude to our generous prize donors, whose contributions added an extra layer of excitement and reward to the day!
“We had a strong field of 72 players and are already looking forward to welcoming them back next year,” said Daphne Alcock. “The hole and prize sponsorships were fantastic, but what stood out most for me was the post-round social gathering; the atmosphere was wonderful!”
She continued, “We also had such an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Word has already spread about how much fun the tournament was that I’ve had people in town asking if they can volunteer for next year’s event.”
The competitive field delivered some outstanding performances, and we send congratulations to our top finishers:
First Place Team: Dale Dillon, Nick Kelley, Josh Elliot, and Eric Allder
Second Place Team: Andrew Stifler, Wayne Van Sant, Mike Tate, and Jim Frye
Third Place Team: Philip Ashton, Michael McShea, Luc Sebrechts, and Patrick Narus
Special recognition goes to Nick Kelley, who earned both Closest to the Pin (Men’s) and Longest Drive (Men’s), and to Bitsy Sandusky, who took Closest to the Pin (Women’s) and Longest Drive (Women’s).
The First Annual Conservation Cup was more than a golf tournament; it was a celebration of PFHCF’s commitment to community and conservation. With this strong start, we’re already looking forward to next year and building on this momentum for years to come.