7th Annual Asher Open Highlights

For the 7th consecutive year, Philadelphia's Asher & Company, Ltd. transformed its office into a miniature golf course for the Asher Open, a busy season stress-buster that has become synonymous with the firm. Calculators, file folders and cardboard boxes doubled as course obstacles, and employees teed up for 9 holes designed by staffers. This year’s holes ranged from 'The Road to Retirement' to 'Accountant’s Bliss' to a hole dedicated to the NCAA Championship and another named 'Hot Air' in tribute to an employee known for his not-so-quiet demeanor.

Chris Ness was winner of the Hole Design contest, which was a 3-foot high, working, cardboard windmill complete with pond for the ball to jump. It took Chris 2 hours to build his windmill, which he claims he did at home. "There were supposed to be goldfish," said Ness, "but…" The fish were later replaced by yellow rubber ducks.

This year’s tournament winner was Jim Kochanski with an incredibly low score of 23. Kochanski, who recently joined the firm, said, "For me being new, it was a great way to meet people in the firm and take a break from the normal busy season. It’s almost as good a being on the real course." And it’s for a good cause.

Another tradition of the Asher Open is for the tournament winner to donate the $5 registration fees to his/her their favorite charity. Kochanski donated the registration fees to the American Cancer Society. For his efforts, Kochanski, the first-ever left-handed champion, was awarded a silver putter with the Asher logo.

At the end of the day there were some refreshments, debate on the low score, and a stop at the pro shop, which featured interesting prizes such as tire cleaner, a hula-hoop, a hanging plant, sand toys, and other, if you will, fascinating items.

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		Andrew Pessano needs relief from a tough lie.
		Hot Air.
		Anthony takes a 6 while Andy and Nick Durso look on approvingly.
		Jim Forgione tees off under the watchful eye of his golfing buddies.
		Bill Burns assumes his traditional Asher Open stance as Jerry Clinton and Melissa Monachello look on.
		The most controversial shot of the entire tournament.. Joe Canataro finds himself in an unusual predicament.
		A close of up of Joe's position. How's he going to get out of here???
		Joe tees it up cue-style, as Andy looks on ready to call any fouls.
		Cathy Nemeth discusses Asher Open strategy with a guest as Robyn Juba attempts to putt through a double bridge. She didn't make it.
		Jerry, Steve Carr, and Melissa Monachello wait for the ranger to speed up the group in front of them.