The best golf shots come at the parties

Wild piano-playing impressario Jason D. Williams on top of his piano at one of the News Sentinel Open parties.

Wild piano-playing phenomenon Jason D. Williams on top of his piano at one of the News Sentinel Open parties.

The News Sentinel Open Presented by Pilot golf tourney earlier this month was a huge success, organizers say. Golfer Martin Piller walked away with a $99,000 purse and more than 38,000 spectators got a taste of the professional golf experience.

“It was a home run,” said Adrian Pearce of the News Sentinel, who helped pull off the labor-intensive event that requires the services of scores of volunteers. “It keeps getting better and better,” he said.

But for me, the best parts of the week-long string of activities surrounding the tournament were the parties. Technically, they are “pairings parties” for the participants of the Summit Medical Group Pro-Am on Monday and the Calhoun’s Pro-Am Classic on Wednesday to find out which professional golfer they will team with on the course. But, to tell the truth, that technicality easily could be handled by email. It’s just an excuse for two great parties. Which is fine by me.

The first, on Sunday night, is always at Chesapeake’s downtown. It precedes the Summit Medical Group Pro-Am on Monday.

From left, Alan Carmichael, Tony Spezia of Covenant Health, and Tim Young, CEO of Summit Medical Group. Both Covenant and Summit are great Moxley Carmichael clients.

From left, my hubs Alan Carmichael; Tony Spezia, CEO of Covenant Health; and Tim Young, CEO of Summit Medical Group. Both Covenant and Summit are great Moxley Carmichael clients.

Ahi tuna on cucumber with Asian slaw. The food at this party was fantastic.

Here's part of the reason. Chef Bruce Bogartz has been added to the restaurant chain's team as corporate chef. He had a lot to do with the special food at the event.

Here’s part of the reason. Chef Bruce Bogartz has been added as corporate chef to the Copper Cellar family of restaurants, which includes Chesapeake’s and Smoky Mountain Brewery, where these two parties were held. He had a lot to do with the special food at the Monday event.

This baked brie with crabmeat and green onions looks messy — but it was fantastic. My favorite thing at the party.

The band we booked on behalf of the News Sentinel for the second year in a row consisted of, from left, Josh Gaither, Josh Cole and Travis Anderson. The music was just right — jazzy, bluesy but not too loud.

Three kinds of oysters flew off the table: Malpeque, Beausoleil and Blue Point.

In front from left, Steve Bowman, Marti Townsend, Dino Cartwright. That’s Adrian Pearce getting a successful photobomb! All are from the News Sentinel, except Dino, who is with Prestige Cleaners.

News Sentinel Publisher Patrick Birmingham, right, with Tony Spezia. That does seem to be money exchanging hands!

Great turnout!

Seafood martinis were served from a boat.

They were cold and delicious.

Tim Young of Summit Medical Group welcomed the crowd and made a few introductions.

The News Sentinel’s Bill Osborne, left, with Chris Hawkins.

News Sentinel Ad Director Diana Condon with Ramona and Jeff Dew. He’s with Gastrointestinal Associates, another MoxCar client.

Serving cheese spreads with cornbread was a great idea -- another of Bruce Bogartz', I was told.

Serving cheese spreads with little cornbread squares was a great idea — another of Bruce Bogartz’ offerings, I was told.

Christi McIlwain, left, and the News Sentinel’s Angie Howell.

Janet and Rocky Goode.

Alan shares a booth with Tasha Mahurin and Knoxville Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis. Pavlis was in Alan’s golf foursome the following day.

Alan’s favorite course — dessert. In this case, key lime tartlets.

Pro golfer Jarod Turner, left, with Neala and Jim Wakefield.

Pro golfer Jerod Turner, left, with Neala and Jim Wakefield.

The following evening after the Summit Pro-Am, another pairings party was held at Smoky Mountain Brewery in Turkey Creek. Also owned by Copper Cellar Restaurants, it has the advantage of being relatively close to Fox Den Country Club, where the golf tournament is played.