CORE’s Annual Golf Tournament Comes of Age
Just a few years ago, CORE’s annual golf tournament was still finding its footing. Would enough teams sign up? Would sponsors return the following year? Could the event grow into something lasting?
What began after the pandemic as a modest fundraiser with only a handful of teams has now clearly come of age.
This year, all 144 golfer spots were filled nearly two weeks before tournament day, allowing teams to begin play simultaneously on every hole during both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Alongside our longtime supporters and corporate sponsors, this year’s tournament also featured an impressive showing from area law enforcement agencies and first responders, including the Branson Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Branson Fire Department.
Seeing so many individuals, businesses, and public servants come together made one thing unmistakably clear: the tournament has become something larger than the game itself.
There was plenty of laughter, competition, and friendly rivalry on the course. But at its heart, the tournament represented a community-wide commitment to helping men and women break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.
The setting could not have been more beautiful. Early morning mist drifted across the fairways as golfers arrived, but by tee time the skies had cleared into a perfect Ozarks spring day. Rolling hills, sparkling water features, immaculate greens, and even a few curious woodland visitors provided a scenic backdrop for the tournament.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Kyler Patterson and the staff at Thousand Hills Golf Resort for once again hosting the event and helping make the day such a success.
We are also deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor, Ozarks Dynacom, whose support and promotion helped expand awareness of the tournament throughout the Tri-Lakes area. Special thanks as well to Image Works, Inc. for their outstanding work promoting the event both online and in print.
Golfers competed in a four person scramble for cash prizes and bragging rights across multiple flights. Contest events included longest drive, longest putt, and closest to the pin. S&H Farm Supply sponsored the tournament’s hole in one challenge on the demanding 15th hole. While nobody claimed the grand prize, one golfer came agonizingly close with a tee shot that stopped barely more than a foot from the cup.
This year’s tournament champions were:
Championship Flight
• James Gerleman Team
• Cooper Creek Team
• Joe Allen Team
A Flight
• Rob Vengarick Team
• John Stickman Team
• Springfield Police Department Team #2
Individual Contest Winners
• Closest to the Pin — Jody Wing
• Longest Drive — Luke Jayne
• Longest Putt — Jody Wing
The fellowship off the course matched the competition on it. Golfers enjoyed refreshments throughout the day, while Embers Cigar Lounge and One.Five Real Estate Advisors provided a cigar cart and raffle in support of CORE’s mission.
CORE CEO Cary McKee and his wife Brittany spent time greeting participants, thanking sponsors, and reconnecting with longtime supporters. CORE’s dependable Second Milers were also on hand throughout the day, helping everything on the course run smoothly from start to finish.
A delicious lunch provided by Chick-fil-A gave golfers an opportunity to relax, connect, and enjoy the spirit of the event together. More than anything else, what stood out throughout the day was the generosity and encouragement shown by everyone involved.
Most importantly, the tournament raised critical support for CORE’s residential recovery programs, helping men and women pursue a new life free from addiction. Several teams also included CORE alumni whose lives stand as powerful reminders of what recovery can accomplish.
To every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, staff member, and supporter who participated: Thank You! Your involvement made this event far more than a day on the golf course. You helped invest in changed lives, restored families, and brighter futures.