Live + Work in Maine golf tourney tops last year's results, benefits hospital

Courtesy / PGA Tour The second Live + Work in Maine Open drew record crowds and $135,000 in donations for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Seen here is local favorite Cole Anderson of Camden.

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By Staff

Last summer, Maine hosted its first pro golf tournament in nearly 30 years, drawing over 150 players, nearly 3,000 spectators and a host of corporate sponsors. It also pulled in $108,000 for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and generated around $4 million in economic activity for southern Maine.

This summer, the 2022 Live + Work in Maine Open topped those results, raising $135,000 for the Portland hospital, and delivering an economic boost of over $6 million for the region, organizers said Friday.

The tournament was held June 23-26 at the Falmouth Country Club. More than 10,300 spectators — a 28% increase over 2021 — came from Maine and 17 other states as far away as California and Texas.

On Championship Sunday, nearly 3,900 fans watched as Pierceson Coody finished at 20 under par and scored his first professional win. In all, 156 golfers competed for a total purse of $750,000, up from $600,000 in 2021.

The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is the state’s only full-service children’s hospital, located at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

The open is part of the Professional Golfers Association’s Korn Ferry Tour.

Also drawing attention was local favorite Cole Anderson of Camden, an amateur who was granted a sponsor exemption to compete. Anderson entered Championship Sunday with a share of the lead, ultimately finishing tied for third at 14 under par.

“We exceeded our goals for economic and charitable impact, and fans saw excellent golf being played by some amazing up-and-coming athletes, including Maine’s own Cole Anderson,” said Brian Corcoran, the tournament’s executive director and chief engagement officer and founder of Shamrock Sports and Entertainment, sports and entertainment sales and marketing agency in Portland.

The open was presented by Bangor Savings and MaineHealth. Additional sponsors included Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine and WEX Inc.