Rotary United Way Golf Classic
About
For several years, the Caterpillar Corporation in Thomasville sponsored a golf tournament to raise money for the United Way of Thomas County. Unfortunately, Caterpillar closed their doors in 2016 and their manufacturing was relocated from Thomas County’s community.
Rotarian Scooter Grubbs came to the Board and asked if the club would consider carrying on this tradition since the United Way of Thomas County supports over 18 organizations in the community. The Board approved it and on August 26, 2017, Rotary Club of Thomasville held its first annual Rotary Golf Classic to support the United Way.
Since 2017, Rotary Club of Thomasville has sponsored the annual Rotary / United Way Golf Classic and this year is no exception.
This past year, the sun shone bright, and the greens at Country Oaks Golf Course witnessed some thrilling swings on Saturday, August 26th, as our Rotary - United Way Golf Classic took center stage. With 21 teams and roughly 84 golf enthusiasts, it was a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and, most importantly, community support.
WINNING TEAMS
The competition was fierce, but in the end, it was the Wiregrass Electric team that emerged as the champions in the 1st Net category; kudos to Joey Adams, Mark Wang, Jimmy Dunlap, and Larry Eddy for their outstanding performance. Meanwhile, the 1st Gross title was claimed by the formidable quartet of Sam Bryan, Matt Wear, JV Vines, and Matt Shiner. Their skill and teamwork were truly commendable. Special shoutouts to Ashley Price, who sent her ball flying the farthest to claim the Longest Drive title. Victor Santos showed pinpoint precision on hole 2, while Ben Westmoreland aced hole 6, earning them the coveted titles of Closest to the Pin. In the high school division, the Thomasville High School Golf Team, comprising Lane Johnson, Owen Fryman, Mac Mobley, and Brandt Herndon, displayed exceptional talent and landed both 2nd Net and the championship title.
A GENEROUS COMMUNITY EFFORT
The Rotary - United Way Golf Classic wasn't just about golf; it was about giving back to our community. We raised a little over $50,000 for the cause, donating a very large portion toward The United Way of Thomas County and our Big Impact Community Projects initiative! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the generosity of our Rotary Club members and the broader community.
$50K RAISED DURING GOLF CLASSIC EFFORTS
In a heartwarming moment at a club meeting end of November, we presented a giant check of $37,500 to the United Way of Thomas County. This donation, part of the $50,000 raised in our annual Golf Classic, highlights our commitment to supporting local initiatives and making a difference. Together, we are strengthening our community and nurturing future leaders. Proud to be part of the Rotary Club of Thomasville!
Publicity / Public Image References:
- 7/12/22: Facebook post (photo and blurb) showing Rotarians planning and dining around a table at a local restaurant in preparation for the Rotary United Way Golf Classic 2023. The blurb included mentions of United Way of Thomas County and Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop. Facebook Post URL Link
- Story posted to club website, included in monthly newsletter and sent to District for newsletter, linked HERE.Additional story posted to club website, included in monthly newsletter, and sent to District for newsletter, linked HERE.
- We're thrilled to share that our event garnered attention and recognition in the local media. Check out our front page feature in the Thomasville-Times Enterprise from 8/28 for more on the Rotary - United Way Golf Classic's success HERE. Check out our album full of photos from this successful event on our Facebook page HERE.
- Check donation to United Way post and photos, linked HERE.
- Thomasville-Times Enterprise story about check donation, linked HERE.
| Partner Involvement |
|---|
| Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop (local restaurant venue where some planning meetings took place), Golf Club |
Rotary United Way Golf Classic
Rotary United Way Golf Classic flyer created by Rotarians
Rotary United Way Golf Classic
Rotary United Way Golf Classic planning meeting with Rotarians at SweetGrass Dairy.
Rotary United Way Golf Classic
Rotary United Way Golf Classic check donation to United Way
Rotary United Way Golf Classic
Rotary United Way Golf Classic Rotarian volunteers setting up
Rotary United Way Golf Classic
Rotary United Way Golf Classic winning high school golf team
Rotary United Way Golf Classic
Rotary United Way Golf Classic action shot of student playing in tournament