Golf tournament in Chelan honors late community member, supports student scholarships

CHELAN  — What began as a son’s tribute to his late father has grown into an annual golf tournament that carries forward both family memories and community giving.

For more than four decades, Tony Berger made summers in Chelan memorable, not only with time on Lake Chelan but also with mornings spent walking the fairways of the Chelan Municipal Golf Course. After retiring to Chelan, Berger devoted himself to the game and the local men’s club, helping transform weekly rounds into a thriving event that raised money for scholarships benefiting local students.

“Some of my best memories are just being with him, entering scores into the old GHIN system after a long day of golf,” his son, Mike Berger, recalled. “It was our time.”

Following his father’s death, Mike created the “Old American Bad Ass Scramble” eight years ago to honor him. What started as a small gathering has grown into a significant event, with this year’s tournament raising nearly $2,500 for scholarships.

The tournament has also become a multi-generational tradition. Mike’s sons, Diesel and Keegan, have grown up around the event. Diesel began helping with setup and scoring at age 8, and this year Keegan, also age 8, joined him. In a milestone moment, Keegan played his first full 18-hole round.

His excitement was summed up in a simple question to his family afterward: “Can we play more golf tomorrow?”

The family’s bond with the course is marked in another way. A handcrafted bench, purchased during a family road trip, now sits beside the 12th hole as a tribute to Tony Berger.

This year’s tournament was held Aug. 15, with Team Farris winning the Low Gross division and Team Oscarson taking the top Net prize. Other winners included Team Froman, Team Navin and Team Pyrone’s.

Individual highlights included Randy Farris, who won closest to the pin on hole 12 at 2 feet, 5 inches, and Trevor Farris, who took the men’s long drive title in the 50-64 age group. Ray Wilson won the 65 and older division, and Bella Wagar won the women’s long drive contest.

What began as a memorial round has become both a fundraiser and a family legacy. Each summer, participants gather not just to compete, but to share stories and continue the mission Tony Berger began—supporting students and celebrating the game he loved.