The Captain’s Choice format provides golfers of all ages the chance to compete for team, as well as individual prizes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams as well as winners for closest to the pin, the longest drive, and the putting contest. At the conclusion of the tournament, a dinner is served to all the participants.
The 2019 Tournament
Storm-threatening skies greeted supporters of the 18th Annual Matt Blackwell Foundation Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 11. But, the skies parted and everyone was treated to a wonderful day at the Lancaster Golf Course. As always on this day, scores were close, amazing shots were made, and, most importantly, smiles, laughter, and even a few tears were shared as the life of a very special young man, Matt Blackwell, was remembered.
At the end of the day, the team of Drew Walters, Garrett Hammond, Tyler Young, and Landon Ray were crowned 2019 Tournament Champions, firing a net score of 48. The team’s gross score of 50 was the lowest in tournament history. Another great round was turned in by the second place team of Larry Wescott, Jimbo Howey, James Haire, and Jim Spears, who carded a 48.4. Rounding out the top 3 finishers was the team of Eric Funderburk, Sonny Hardin, Bud Cauthen, and Cam Hinson. “The Captain’s Choice format is fun for these type of events, noted Larry Blackwell, Matt’s father. “It allows for close scores and tight competition among golfers of different skill levels and very rarely do you have repeat winners. In the 18 years of our tournament, no foursome has ever repeated as champion”.
Baylee Evans, Larry Wescott, Drew Walters, and Cam Hinson were this year’s closest to the pin winners with longest drive awards going to Kim Perry (Women’s), Jerry Myers (Seniors), and Brady Hinkle (Men’s). The special “On The Mark” trophy, dedicated to the memory of Matt’s Uncle Mark, was won by Shane Lee.
“It was another amazing day”, said Larry Blackwell, Matt’s father. “A 90% chance of rain was forecasted for Saturday, but the bad weather stayed away and every team completed their round”, noted Blackwell. “At one point, with severe storms approaching, the skies just split over the golf course and we were spared the rain, thunder, lightning, and hail that was reported all around us. To have had good weather and fill our tournament these past 18 years is such a blessing. The Good Lord looked out for us, no doubt”, said Blackwell.
“Finally, thank you to our volunteers, to Phil Small, Ross Baker, and the staff at LGC, to the Small family, to our dedicated sponsors, and to our golfers. When you have a great group of people coming together for the right reason, the day is always going to be special”, Blackwell concluded
