On Wednesday, Methodist University hosted its annual Founders Council Golf Pro-Am Tournament & Tennis Social – bringing approximately 70 people from the greater Fayetteville to campus for the once-a-year opportunity for the public to play on MU’s distinguished on-campus tennis courts and 18-hole golf course.
Methodist University’s campus was buzzing with excitement as community members gathered not only to compete but to make a lasting impact.
On Wednesday, Methodist University hosted its annual Founders Council Golf Pro-Am Tournament & Tennis Social – bringing approximately 70 people from the greater Fayetteville to campus for the once-a-year opportunity for the public to play on MU’s distinguished on-campus tennis courts and 18-hole golf course.
Community members played at Downback Golf Course, ranked as one of the “Top 50 Private Ranges” in the country by the Golf Range Association of America, and Gene Clayton Tennis Center, named a “Distinguished Facility of the Year” by the Tennis Industry Magazine.
Proceeds from the events created lifelong memories while supporting the Loyalty Fund for MU, which provides student scholarships. Proceeds also went towards MU’s renowned PGA Golf Management and Professional Tennis Management programs.
“Our Founders Council events are a great opportunity to get members of our community on campus for some great competition, fun, and fellowship,” said Mitch Guy, president of the Methodist University Founders Council. “Participants make connections with the staff and students throughout the day and get a feel for campus life. It is a very unique day on the golf course and tennis courts and in my experience, they have always made a positive impression on everyone participating.”
The Golf Pro-Am Tournament, presented by Brown Advisory Group, included 18 holes of play, lunch, group photos, awards presentation, dinner, and more. Additional sponsors included:
- Gold sponsors: Cape Fear Valley Health, Carolina Sun Investments, Full Moon Capital
- Green sponsors: Budget Rooter Plumbing Company, Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Holmes Security
- Monarch sponsors: Crispian Consulting, John Allen Shoes, Nicole Stiff, Paige Krauss, PWC
- Hole sponsors: A New Leaf Therapeutic Services, Bald Head Blues, Bryan Honda, Distinctly Fayetteville, Dynamic Golf Solutions, Employment Sources, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fayetteville Regional Airport, Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, Homes2Suites by Hilton Fayetteville, Jackson R. Bingham, Jersey Mike’s Subs, LPL Financial, Luca Partners, Metcon, Michael Priest (Fam Bureau Insurance Agency), MSP Construction and Development, Nicole Stiff, Pendergraft Homes, Person & Lee PLLC, Pink Floyd hair, Reed-Lallier Chevrolet, Systel, Thomas Owen Insurance, Townsend Real Estate
- In-Kind: Chick-Fil-A, Sodexo, U.S. Logoworks
The Tennis Social, presented by Debbie Best, included tennis poker, refreshments, lessons, group photo, awards presentation, dinner, and more. Additional sponsors included:
- Gold sponsor: Tropical Smoothie
- Green sponsor: Mary Nimocks Haugh
- Monarch sponsors: Nicole Stiff, PWC, Radiant Wellness, Two Men and a Truck
- Court sponsors: A New Leaf Therapeutic Services, Employment Source, Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, Luca Partners, Metcon, Reed-Lallier Chevrolet
- In-Kind: U.S. Logoworks
“I personally enjoy the opportunity to play the Downback Golf Course with great friends and local business owners a like, all while providing support to programs for students at Methodist University,” said Cody Hopper, owner and operator of the Chick-fil-A in Skibo Square, who has participated in the Golf Tournament for numerous years.
Methodist University’s Founders Council aids, fosters and promotes the growth, progress and general welfare of Cumberland County and North Carolina while providing resources and financial support to the University. Council members are individuals who believe in Methodist University and are willing to support and advance the mission of the University.
The Founders Council originated on July 1, 2021, after a merging of the Foundation Board and the Board of Visitors. The group has roots older than the school itself. Before the then-named Methodist College opened in 1960, community leaders gathered pledges and donations from the local community to build the campus.
To view photos from the tournaments, keep tabs on the Methodist University Flickr page.