After cancellation of the 2020 tournament due to the pandemic, anticipation was high for the 20th annual Lake Cities Education Foundation’s Memorial Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2021 at Oakmont Country Club in Corinth, Texas. The Lake Cities Education Foundation Board of Directors went to great lengths to provide a tournament experience that exceeded the past nineteen events. Shoe bags, containing items donated by local businesses, and Callaway golf caps emblazoned with embroidered commemorative LCEF logos were secured for all players. An amazing and enticing array of raffle prizes was provided by many generous donors.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans! Torrential rains and high winds created unsafe conditions on the course before play started, but players and volunteers took advantage of the opportunity to reconnect and visit in the clubhouse. A desire to support the Lake Cities Education Foundation was evident as the morning’s players purchased $8,000 worth of raffle tickets, an LCEF record!
After a lengthy delay in hopes that the rain would move on and amid reports that lightning had destroyed two trees on the course, the difficult decision was made by Tournament Co-Chairs, Tom Davenport and Gary Peppers, to reschedule the tournament for the following Monday, June 14.
The sun shone brightly on the morning of the 14th as the skirl of a lone bagpiper was heard announcing the start of the tournament. Don Shannon, Pipe Major of The North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums, carried on the tradition started in 2005 of piping out the players and provided the perfect backdrop as the first flight of golfers headed to the links.
Morning flight players convened back at the Clubhouse after play for a barbeque lunch and the awarding of prizes. Special recognition was given to the first, second, and third place teams, the longest drive for men and for women, as well as the closest to the pin. Founding Board Member and longtime supporter Bruce Martin was presented with a crystal decanter to commemorate his company’s 20 year sponsorship of the tournament. Peppers presented Davenport with an engraved crystal trophy to honor his 10 years serving as chair of the annual golf tournament. “I have enjoyed the LCEF Memorial Golf Tournament for the past 20 years,” said Davenport. "During that time, it has become much more than just a golf tournament. Every year it is fun to watch golfers who haven’t seen one another since the last tournament interact. It’s almost like a family reunion. There are also many new golfers each year who thoroughly enjoy themselves and make new acquaintances. It’s much more than that, however. The greatest joy comes when the LCEF Board is able to award scholarships to Lake Dallas High School students who are entering college or trade school. Those students are truly our future and it is gratifying to be able to give them a good start for their college careers.”
After golfing under clear skies and warm temperatures, the afternoon play was also capped off with an awards ceremony and dinner. LCEF Directors ended the long day with expressions of gratitude for the many volunteers who helped the tournament run so efficiently, and especially to the tournament sponsors and players who helped the tournament to be one of the most successful events in the 20 year history of the organization.
Tournament Co-Chair Peppers exclaimed, “Mission accomplished! The LCEF’s mission is to support Lake Dallas ISD students and teachers with scholarships and grants. The annual golf tournament is one of the primary ways we support that cause. We celebrated our 20th anniversary this year and it was a huge success as the tournament set records in sponsorships and players. Over $90,000 was raised to continue the LCEF’s efforts. A huge thanks to the sponsors, players, volunteers and Oakmont Country Club!”
We look forward to the many LCEF supporters joining us at our next tournament. Please mark your calendars for next year’s event, June 6, 2022!