Once a year, the public has an opportunity to play on Methodist University’s distinguished on-campus tennis courts and golf course. Today was that day as MU hosted its annual Founders Council Golf and Tennis Pro-Am Tournaments, bringing more than 50 people from the greater Fayetteville community to its sprawling 617-acre campus.
Once a year, the public has an opportunity to play on Methodist University’s distinguished on-campus tennis courts and golf course.
Today was that day as MU hosted its annual Founders Council Golf and Tennis Pro-Am Tournaments, bringing more than 50 people from the greater Fayetteville community to its sprawling 617-acre campus.
The community had a chance to either play at Downback Golf Course, recently ranked as one of the “Top 50 Private Ranges” in the country by the Golf Range Association of America, or Gene Clayton Tennis Center, named a “Distinguished Facility of the Year” by the Tennis Industry Magazine.
Not only did the tournaments help create lifelong memories, but proceeds supported the University’s Loyalty Campaign, which supports student scholarships. Proceeds also went towards MU’s renowned PGA Golf Management and Professional Tennis Management programs.
“The Founders Council Golf and Tennis Pro-Am Tournaments provide two outstanding opportunities for the community to see this beautiful campus and all that this exceptional University has to offer,” said Kim Hasty, president of the Methodist University Founders Council. “The tournaments also raise money for student scholarships, helping enroll bright and promising young men and women from all over the world.”
The Golf Pro-Am Tournament – which included 18 holes of play, lunch, group photo, awards presentation, dinner, and more – was presented by Brown Advisory. Additional sponsors included:
- Dinner sponsor: Lafayette Ford-Lincoln
- Gold sponsor: 219 Group
- Green sponsors: Holmes Security, Northside Family Eye Care, Powers Land Surveying
- In-Kind sponsors: Anderson Realty Group, Chick-fil-A, US Logoworks
The Tennis Pro-Am Tournament – which included tennis poker, refreshments, lessons, group photo, awards presentation, dinner, and more – was presented by V Savvy Digital Marketing. Additional sponsors included:
- Dinner sponsor: Lafayette Ford-Lincoln
- Gold sponsor: Cape Fear Valley Health
- Green sponsors: Holmes Security, Mary Nimocks Haugh
- In-Kin sponsors: Anderson Realty Group, US Logoworks
“This is a fantastic time with great golfing,” said Vance Townsend, a second-year participant in the golf tournament. “It’s so beautiful out here that it doesn’t even feel like you’re in Fayetteville. I’ve really enjoyed playing with the student-athletes. It’s a first-class event.”
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 merge 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.