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