USA Luge’s Sean Hollander, of Lake Placid, helps putt for a team on the ninth hole at the Saranac Lake Golf Club on Saturday, Aug. 23. (News photo — Parker O’Brien)

RAY BROOK — While most would think wintertime is typically best for Olympic-level competitors, who train and live up here, four local athletes proved that they can compete in solid sunny weather, too. Even if it’s a different sport.

On Saturday, Olympic luge athletes Zack DiGregorio, Jonny Gustafson and Tucker West, alongside U.S. Biathlon national team member Vaclav Cervenka, won the fifth annual Saranac Lake Women’s Civic Chamber’s golf scramble event at the Saranac Lake Golf Club in Ray Brook.

“The Luge Guys” secured the men’s and overall title with a 5-under par 31. All of the proceeds from the tournament go to the Saranac Lake Women’s Civic Chamber for donations to various local organizations, to help support and improve the local community.

The fathers of some of the luge athletes — Ed Mazdzer, Larry Sweeney and Eric Gustafson — and their friend Steve, finished two strokes behind the athletes.

The top women’s team included Lynne Brubaker, Sue Devlin, Kathy Gilligan and Marie Morgan. They shot an even par 36. The top mixed team was made up of Barb Martin, Mike Martin, Kevin Morgan and David Snyder, who combined for a 4-under par 32.

Jestena Mattson putts for a group on the seventh hole at the Saranac Lake Golf Club. (News photo — Parker O’Brien)

The tournament featured 12 teams of four golfers competing in a nine-hole scramble. However, unlike most scramble tournaments, this one allowed an extra player … an Olympic-level athlete.

The athletes were assigned to nearly every hole as an extra player for the teams as they played through. The assigned athletes either putted or drove — based on their preferences. They also were there to chat, provide autographs and pose for photos.

The Olympic-level athletes were made up of both bobsled and luge athletes. The Bobsledders included: Boone Niederhofer, Bryce Cheek, Collin Storms, Geoff Gadbois, Hunter Powell and Jestena Mattson. The luge athletes — excluding those who competed — were Dana Kellogg and Sean Hollander.

With the Winter Olympic Games on the horizon, the athletes will kick off their respective seasons in September, both with start competitions. The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games will take place from Feb. 7 to 12, 2026.