2016 Classic - Great Tournament Makes Great Things Happen

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect day for a golf tournament!  Add that you're playing a round at the beautiful and prestigious Honors Course, and you got yourself a really, really great day!

More than 160 golfers tackled the course in the 2016 Classic, the 18th year of the event.  The biggest comment from the returning players were about how the course views were even more spectacular than in the past, thanks to a major remodeling project that added sweeping panorama of the driving range and the scenery associated.  As if it were possible to make it better, there it was.

Helping matters was the tournament date, the last Monday in April, which had been the historic date of the tournament for many consecutive years.  There had never been a weather problem on that date, and the same held true this year - mostly sunny, 79 degrees for the PM round.  Quite lovely, indeed.

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The usual desirable amenities were available throughout the day, including the biscuit breakfast, our down-home southern style Honors lunch, the elegant cocktail reception, all framing the links experience very nicely.  Many good comments were heard about tee favor of the day -- the 30 ounce YETI cup!  It was a monster, and many were spotted doing their duty of keeping course beverages ice cold for the whole round, and then some.  Thanks to Elder's ACE Hardware for sponsoring that terrific take-home memento!

Tournament Chairman Mike Jenkins announces the winners!

Hole #8 took several golf balls into the deep, but again failed to yield a winner of the Subaru Outback, sponsored by Kelly Auto Group.

Tournament Chairman Mike Jenkins noted that the tournament will again raise around $90,000 to support United Way of Greater Chattanooga.  That's possible thanks to our intrepid players and our generous sponsors -- Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company and new friend of the tournament, Food City. Additionally, we thank Budweiser of Chattanooga for filling many YETIs with their donation!

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We also thank our tournament committee volunteers, Micky McCamish, Bill Webb, Tom White and Tanya Williamson, along with the professional staff of the Honors, particularly Garrett Campbell and head pro Henrik Simonsen for the best links experience in the state.  Also, thanks to Ashton Harris and his tremendous professional staff in the clubhouse for the top-notch treatment throughout the day!

Plan now for next year!  We'll get back with a date as soon as possible!

And the Winners in 2016 were...

AM ROUND

Low Gross Champion

FSG Bank
Mike Kramer, David Haskins, Todd McCain, Bill Moore Smith


Times Free Press Flight

1st Place - Graybar Electric Company
Blake Hulgan, Turner Wood, Mike Young, Doug Woodside

2nd Place - Mauldin & Jenkins #1
Warren McEwen, Dave Gilbert, Christian Bennett, Tommy Burns


Coca-Cola Flight

1st Place - UPS
Jimmy Winton, Scott Hudson, Jeff Wright, Steve Jenkins

2nd Place - Integrity Chevrolet
Dwight Morgan, Wayne Tubbs, David Brown, Zac Morgan


Food City Flight

1st Place - Coca Cola/Dr. Pepper
Brad McCawley, Ryan May, Todd Chauvin, John Orgeron

2nd Place - Chattanooga Coca-Cola #1

Tyler Maynor, Jeff Russell, Chet Nave, Paul Cox


Individual Winners
Straightest Drive - Brandon Hull
Longest Drive - David Haskins
Closest to the Hole #3 - Bill Moore Smith
Closest to the Hold #16 - Darren Hodges
Closest to the Hole Team Prize - Elliott Davis Decosimo #2


PM ROUND

Low Gross Champion

J.D. Frost Company
Jonathan Frost, Mark Degler, Marcus Lyons, Rob Shaw


Times Free Press Flight

1st Place - Russ Blakely & Associates
Russ Blakely, Mike St. Charles, Jim Haley, Lewis Dyer

2nd Place - First Tennessee
Jeff Jackson, Lou Devin, Matt Mathis, Jimmy White


Coca-Cola Flight

1st Place - Henderson, Hutcherson, McCullough
Greg Bohannon, Will Clegg, Nick Burrows, Chad Goodman

2nd Place - Frank McDonald Architects
Frank McDonald, Jr., Corinne Hennen, Janie Hennen, B.J. Coleman


Food City Flight

1st Place - Best One Tire of Chattanooga
Jordon Browning, Brian Cunningham, Tim Kelly, Jim Kohrs

2nd Place - CHI Memorial #1

Mike Sutton, Paul Farmer, Dr. Lee Hamilton, Chris Cate



Individual Winners

Longest Drive - Kurt Keene
Straightest Drive - Carter Young
Closest to the Hole #3 - Jason Lockhert
Closest to the Hole #16 - Mark Degler
Closest to the Hole Team Prize - J.D. Frost & Co.

Whatever the Weather -- A Tale of Two Rounds

Temperate weather was the highlight of
the AM round.

When the day started, it was the best of weather.  And while it ended with the worst of weather, no one left disappointed from the 17th Annual United Way Frank McDonald Memorial Golf Classic, proving again that there is no such thing as a bad day at The Honors.

Descent into Meteorological Madness

The morning round started bright and early with 21 teams taking on the number 31 golf course in America. Despite predictions, the weather was wire-to-wire pleasant for the AMers, offering hope that it may hold together for the PMers, as well.  The weather horn interrupted the luncheon, delaying the 19-team afternoon start by 45 minutes.  That was a portent of the end of the day.  The weather held back seemingly as long as possible, but the bottom finally dropped out about 5:00 pm, when high winds and huge rain swamped the course.  That cut the round a bit short, and kicked off the cocktail reception a bit ahead of schedule, which seemed to bother no one. 

The afternoon rains came, so
the reception began!

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Through it all, The Honors staff was right on top it. At the clubhouse, food and drink were prepared ahead and on the patio almost as soon as the balance of the day was deferred to Mother Nature. The pros tracked the weather almost to the minute, making every right call concerning player safety. 

The Honors Vice President Mark Degler
 accepts recognition from Mike Jenkins
for raising $1.1 million for United Way.

Recognizing The Honors

This was the 15th year that the The Honors has hosted the Classic, which is a tremendous distinction for the tournament. Tournament Chairman Mike Jenkins formally recognized The Honors membership and staff for their contribution over the history of the tournament of nearly $1.1 million. Honors Vice President Mark Degler accepted the recognition on their behalf. Honors founder Jack Lupton and tournament namesake, Frank McDonald, were tremendous friends, and both demonstrated their commitment to the community most prominently through their relationship with United Way.  

Good Day All-Round

Amenities were plentiful throughout today, from the traditional biscuit breakfast in the morning, to the delicious down-home Honors lunch at the turn of the rounds.  Players were again treated to trip through the Titleist Store, while winners cashed in their gift certificates to the newly renovated and expanded Honors Pro Shop.

Again, no winners of the Kelly Car-sponsored prize on #8.  The best team attempt was 4 on the green in the morning round, but, according the hole spotters, threats were few otherwise. Thanks to Kelly Cars, which has sponsored our Hole-in-One contests for 15 consecutive years.

DID YOU PLAY?  PLEASE TAKE OUR PLAYER SURVEY!

Sold Out!

With the tournament officially sold out this year, Chairman Mike Jenkins estimates that the event will raise between $90,000 and $100,000 for United Way. None of it happens without the generous participation of our presenting sponsors -- Chattanooga Times Free Press, Coca-Cola and BI-LO.  Additional thanks to Kelly Cars and Budweiser of Chattanooga.

UW's Jenny Johnston helps a player
spend his $100 credit at
the Titleist Store. 

Much thanks goes to the tournament planning committee, which includes David Kelley, Mickey McCamish, Bill Webb, Tanya Williamson and Tom White.

Tremendous thanks and gratitude goes to the professional staff of The Honors.  Head Pro Henrik Simonsen, Assistant Pro Jeremy Cason, Club Manager Ashton Harris, the clubhouse and pro staff, caddies and maintenance crew worked seamlessly to provide everyone an outstanding tournament experience.

Plan Now for Next Year

The date for the next edition of the United Way Frank McDonald Memorial Golf Classic will be coming your way later this year.  Plan and budget now to join us for another tremendous day at The Honors in 2016!

SEE AND DOWNLOAD PICTURES FROM THE TOURNAMENT

And the Winners in 2015 were...

AM ROUND

Low Gross Champion

Lawson Electric
Ryan Crimmins, Chris Crimmins, Clay Crumbliss, Ward Petty

Frank McDonald Flight

1st Place - Graphic Packaging #1
Tom Brewer, Terry Hallemann, Jim Monahan, Doug Murray

2nd Place - Unum
Mike Jenkins, Scott Ridge, Dr. Bill Stacy, Tom White

Times Free Press Flight

1st Place - ITW Warehouse Automation
John Barry, Bill Daniel, Scott Hannah, Glen Rindfleisch

2nd Place - Mauldin & Jenkins
Kyle Butler, Bob Granger, David Henry, Casey Stewart

Coca-Cola Flight

1st Place - IBEW Local 175
Jim Brewer, Mike Freels, Jamie Thomas, Terry Todd

2nd Place - UPS #2
Steve Boulton, Steve Burtnett, Kim Campbell, Jeff Taylor

Individual Winners

Longest Drive - Doug Woodside
Straightest Drive - Jamie Thomas
Closest to the Hole #3 - Bob Granger
Closest to the Hole #16 - Kim Campbell
Closest to the Hole Team Prize - Mike Freels, IBEW Local 175

DID YOU PLAY?  PLEASE TAKE OUR PLAYER SURVEY!

PM ROUND

Low Gross Champion

First Tennessee
Lou Devin, Jimmy Hudson, Jeff Jackson, Matt Mathis

Frank McDonald Flight

1st Place - Adman Electric Company
Mark Degler, Rickie Etherton, Joe Gibson, Todd Moreland

2nd Place - BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Nick Coussoule, Scott Pierce, Jim Srite, Roy Vaughn

Times Free Press Flight

1st Place - Bridgestone
Jordan Browning, Brian Cunningham, John McCormick, Andrew Thompson

2nd Place - Republic Parking
Kevin Boem, David Lambeck, Brittan Stansell, Sam Tupman

Coca-Cola Flight

1st Place - Henderson, Hutcherson, McCullough
Greg Bohannon, Will Clegg, Todd Damato, Darrin Yappen

2nd Place - Elliott Davis Decosimo
Robert Belcher, Mike Costell, David Cranford, Richard White

Individual Winners

Longest Drive - Warren Milnor
Straightest Drive - Joe Gibson
Closest to the Hole #3 - Patrick Stowe
Closest to the Hole #16 - Mike Sutton
Closest to the Hole Team Prize - Chris Rogers

2013 Classic - Neither Rain, nor Rattlesnakes...

To paraphrase the U.S. Postal Service, neither rain nor rattlesnakes could keep this field of 140 intrepid golfers from completing their appointed rounds.  Those were two prominent features of the 2013 United Way Frank McDonald Memorial Golf Classic, held June 17 at the Honors.  A lineup of 34 teams enjoyed challenging their skills on one of America's top 50 golf courses, made all the more challenging by wet conditions and threatening skies that lingered throughout the day.

SEE PICTURES FROM THE 2013 CLASSIC

Great conditions otherwise
Not that the weather dampened anyone's mood, because it was a day at The Honors Course, after all.  That always means great golf, fantastic amenities, tremendous attention to detail and probably the best down-home lunch in the Southeast.  Golfers also enjoyed "cashing in" their $100 credit at the Titleist Store, part of the top-flight tee favors available to our player-guests.

Talk about a hazard!

Spackler the Snake

The biggest buzz around the course that day had to be news of the capture of a Timber Rattlesnake.  It was reportedly about a 15-rattler and looked to be in excess of five feet long.  After capture, it was confined to a sealed aquarium inside the maintenance shack at hole #9, which is enclosed by a compound-type fence.  So, angry but secured, Spackler (as he or she came to be known) commanded a parade of curiosity seekers who visited the shack throughout the day.

The Kelly car safe for another year
There were a couple of shots on hole #8 during the day that came within a foot of the hole, but in the end, no one was able to score the lease on the Subaru Outback sponsored by Kelly Auto Group.  A new addition this year was the closest to the hole contest on #14.  The individual winner of that contest in each round scored a $50 gift certificate to the Honors Pro Shop for the whole team!

Positive results

Guests enjoy buying and browsing at
the Titleist Store

Tournament Chairman Mike Jenkins was feeling good about the fundraising results, noting that United Way can probably expect to net between $90,000 to $100,000 from the tournament this year.  Of course, the proceeds from the tournament will go to United Way to fund local services that promote education, family stability and support for the most vulnerable.

Thank You!
It takes a team effort to put on this premier tournament, beginning with the sponsors that make it possible. This years presenting sponsors were Chattanooga Times Free Press, Coca-Cola and BI-LO.  Our supporting sponsors were Kelly Automotive Group and Budweiser of Chattanooga.  Many thanks to the organizers, particularly the Classic Committee, which includes Mike Jenkins, Ryan May of Coca Cola, Tanya Williamson from the Times Free Press, Tom White from Unum, Bill Webb, and Mickey McCamish.

And, of course, much gratitude goes to the generosity of the staff of The Honors Course, including club professionals Henrik Simonsen and Sean Rice, General Manager Ashton Harris, and everyone else at The Honors who work hard to be attentive to all guests needs and provide a tremendous experience for everyone!

Stay tuned
We'll get back to you as soon as possible with the date for the next United Way Frank McDonald Memorial Golf Classic.  Keep your calendar clear until then!

SEE PICTURES FROM THE 2013 CLASSIC

And the Winners in 2013 were...

AM Round

Low Gross Champion

Health Care Strategies
Paul Wurm, Wayne Woolfall, Bryan Fryar, Tom Pfitzer

Chattanooga Times Free Press Flight

1st Place - IBEW
Joey Smith, Joe Gibson, Zach Wamp, Jim Coppinger

2nd Place - Chattanooga Times Free Press #2
Kayla Stewart, Jay Greeson, Jackie Miller, Eddie Smith

Coca-Cola Flight

1st Place - Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper
Rodney Dillard, Ryan May, Darrell Massey, Crawford Jones

2nd Place - Graphic Packaging #1
Terry Halleman, Nick George, Doug Murray, Brian Hunt

Hamico Flight

1st Place - Chattanooga Times Free Press #3
Rich Towery, Steve Rhyne, John Frierson, David Uchiyama

2nd Place - Chattanooga Coca-Cola #1
Rick Hansard, Robin Boyer, Paul Grove, Darren Hodges

Individual Winners

Long Drive - Wayne Woolfall
Straight Drive - Mike Jenkins
Closest to the Hole - Robin Boyer

PM Round

Low Gross Champion

Luke "The Beast" Hamilton
Dr. Lee Hamilton, Luke Hamilton, Danny Daniel, Jeff Daniel

Chattanooga Times Free Press Flight

1st Place - Pointer Management
Justin Guthrie, Jeff Tarumianz, Patrick Bradshaw, Patrick Stowe

2nd Place - Dexter White Construction
Dexter White, Rodney Allen, Todd Dyer, John Goers

Coca-Cola Flight

1st Place - Memorial Health System
Michael Sutton, Brent McLean, Brad Pope, Paul Farmer

2nd Place - Steam and Control Systems
Perry Smith, Chuck Jackson, Kerstin Fessler, Gail Brown

Individual Winners

Long Drive - Kerstin Fessler
Straight Drive - Jeff Daniel
Closest to the Hole - Zac Green

2012 Classic - Delayed Golfing Gratification

More than 130 golfers were looking forward to May 14, 2012 for another beautiful day playing a round of golf on one of America's most prestigious courses.

And then came May 13, and about four inches of rain.

That set in motion a change of events the forced the first postponement of the Classic in its 14 history.  The amount of rain dumped on the course that Sunday before the tournament made conditions near impossible to play for the following morning.  

But despite the delay, the event went off without a hitch on its new date - July 30.  It was a beautiful, and remarkably temperate, summer day for the Scenic City, which led to some great competition out on the links.    

Another Ace!

The delayed date was magic for a longtime tournament committee member and United Way supporter.  Gary Davis, a few months short of retiring as General Manager from Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company, was rewarded by the golf gods for his dedication by scoring a hole-in-one on #16.  The feat netted Gary a prize of $500, sponsored by Kelly Auto Group.  Always understated, Gary joked he can use his financial windfall to pad his retirement fund.  This was the second ace scored in the 15 year history of the tournament.

Good Results

For the second straight year, the tournament netted more than $100,000 for United Way of Chattanooga, dollars that will help support impact in the areas of education, family stability and support for those most vulnerable. The final total raised for 2012 was $102,756.

Tournament Chairman Mike Jenkins was thrilled with the outcome, noting that it definitely takes a team effort to make this tournament not just successful, but one of the premiere tournaments in the region.  He thanked Club Professional Henrik Simonsen and the staff at The Honors for their tremendous professionalism and especially for their willingness to accommodate the tournament with a rain date.

Additionally, he thanked the tournament committee for their help in organizing -- then re-organizing -- the event, so that everyone got the full benefit of their time on the course.  The tournament committee members in 2012 were:

• Mickey McCamish
• Gary Davis and Ryan May from Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company
• Bill Webb
• Tanya Williamson of the Chattanooga Times Free Press
• Tom White of Unum 

Sponsors from the tournament were The Chattanooga Times Free Press, Coca-Cola, Bi-Lo, and the Hamico Foundation, as well as Budweiser of Chattanooga and Kelly Auto Group. 

Click here to view photos from the 2012 tournament. Be sure to stay tuned for details about the 2013 tournament!

2011 Golf Classic Wrap-up!

This year's Frank McDonald Memorial Golf Classic marked another successful tournament turnout, bringing together more than 40 teams for a fun and competitive day of golf at the Honors Course on October 10th. The fall tournament date was a welcomed change to the event, with generally overcast conditions and a crisp autumn breeze ensuring milder playing conditions for the golfers.

A highlight of the 2011 year was reaching the monumental $1 million mark in contributions combined over the 13 year history of the classic. This celebrated benchmark honors the tremendous effort and dedication of those who have contributed to the continued success of the tournament.

"We are extremely pleased to reach this milestone goal for the tournament," said returning Classic Committee Chairman Mike Jenkins from Unum. "This would not have been possible without the participation of the players and support from our primary sponsors. We are very appreciative for the level of dedication each player and sponsor has brought to the tournament growth throughout the years."

Mike also stated his appreciate for the leadership and staff at the Honors Course: "Henrik Simenson, Ashton Harris and their staff were invaluable to the success of this year's tournament, and we are tremendously grateful for the opportunity to host this event at the Honors each year."

The Classic also raked in a record number of donations for the 2011 year, totaling over $100,000 - a $20,000+ increase from the previous year. Proceeds for the tournament are contributed to the United Way of Greater Chattanooga to help fund community programs that advance the common good and build a stronger, healthier community.

Sponsors from the tournament were The Chattanooga Times Free Press, Coca-Cola, Bi-Lo, and Chattem, as well as Budweiser of Chattanooga and Kelly Auto Group. Also key to the success of the tournament were Classic committee members Gary Davis and Ryan May of Coca-Cola, Tanya Williamson from The Chattanooga Times Free Press, Mike Jenkins and Tom White from Unum, Mickey McCarnish, and Bill Webb.

Click here to view photos from the 2011 tournament. Be sure to stay tuned for details about the 2012 tournament!


The 2011 Classic Winners are...

AM Round Winners
Longest Drive - Wayne Woofall
Straightest Drive - Phil Tippitt

Coca-Cola Flight:
1st Place - Health Care Strategies
2nd Place - Thyssen Krup

Times Free Press Flight:
1st Place - IBEW Local 175
2nd Place - Coca-Cola Charlotte

BI-LO Flight:
1st Place - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Doug Fisher's team)
2nd Place - Hazlett, Lewis & Bieter

Low Gross Winner - Unum


PM Round Winners
Longest Drive - Winston Brown
Straightest Drive - G. Pursley

Coca-Cola Flight:
1st Place - Pointer Management
2nd Place - 3H Group

Times Free Press Flight:
1st Place - Miller & Martin
2nd Place - Blue Cross Blue Shielf of Tennessee

Chattem Flight:
1st Place - Steam & Control Systems
2nd Place - Frank McDonald Architects

Low Gross Winner - Budweiser of Chattanooga

Golfing in the Good Ol' Summertime!

It was a hot and muggy day, but it still beat a day at the office! That was the general feeling about the 2010 edition of the United Way Frank McDonald Memorial Golf Classic, held this year on August 10 at the Honors. Nearly 40 teams sweated their way through one of the toughest courses in the country and lived to tell about it! The tournament, normally held the last Monday of April, was bumped to August due to the NCAA finals earlier in the summer.

It was a tremendous year, despite the heat! All totalled, the tournament raised more than $88,000 this year, an increase of nearly $15,000 over the year previous. Proceeds from the tournament are contributed to United Way of Greater Chattanooga to help fund community programs that advance the common good and build a stronger, healthier community.

First year tournament chairman Mike Jenkins from Unum was appreciative of the support United Way received from tournament sponsors.

"This tournament would not happen without the tremendous support we receive from our primary sponsors, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, Coca Cola and BI-LO," Mike said. "We also thank Kelley Automotive Group for donating our hole-in-one prizes. We are also pleased to welcome Chattem as an official sponsor. They have supported the tournament over the years and this was a tremendous next step in their level of support."

Mike also thanked the tournament committee members -- Gary Davis and Ryan May of Coca Cola, Tanya Williamson from the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tom White from Unum, Curtis Johnson, Mickey McCamish, Bill Webb.

"The support of the staff of the Honors Course was the key in making this event a success," continued Mike. "Henrik Simonsen, Ashton Harris and their staffs were outstanding. We cannot thank them and The Honors enough for their generosity in hosting this event each year."

Click here to see pictures from the 2010 tournament. The Classic will be back in 2011! Stay tuned for details!

And the Winners Were...

AM Round Winners

Times Free Press Flight:
1st Place: Rehrig Pacific #1
2nd Place: Chattanooga Coca Cola #1

BI-LO Flight:
1st Place: IBEW Local 172
2ns Place: AT&T

Coca Cola Flight:
1st Place: Unum
2nd Place: Chattanooga Coca Cola #2

Low Gross Winner: Healthcare Strategies

Long Drive: Joey Smith
Straight Drive: Ryan Haynes


PM Round Winners

Times Free Press Flight:
1st Place: BlueCross BlueShield Government Programs
2nd Place: Ball Corporation

Chattem Flight:
1st Place: Chattanooga Times Free Press #3
2nd Place: Budweiser of Chattanooga

Coca Cola Flight:
1st Place: 3-H Group Hotels
2nd Place: Chattem

Low Gross Winner: Pointer Management