Charlotte, NC – The Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation and the Charlotte Checkers AHL Hockey Team teamed up to blend the worlds of golf and hockey like never before, all in support of a great cause.

The PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Carolinas PGA Section—the largest of the 41 PGA Sections nationwide—is dedicated to positively impacting communities across North and South Carolina through its three pillars: Youth, Military, and Inclusion. Similarly, the Checkers Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, supports nonprofits in the Carolinas that focus on the health, education, character development, and success of children and adolescents.

On Monday, April 14, teams gathered at TPC Piper Glen in Charlotte, NC, for the inaugural Charlotte Checkers Golf Tournament, presented by On-Time Electrical and Novant Health. Proceeds from the event benefited the Checkers Charitable Foundation and the PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation. Throughout the tournament, players enjoyed beverages from Adam’s Beverages and Pepsi, and lunch provided by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Association (CRVA).

Thanks to the generosity of participants and sponsors, the event raised $25,000 for PGA REACH Carolinas, helping to further its mission of enriching lives through the game of golf.

Upon arrival, players were welcomed with tee gifts courtesy of the Checkers, the Carolinas PGA, and presenting sponsors On-Time Electrical and Novant Health. A delicious breakfast was provided by local favorite Amélie’s French Bakery & Café, while players warmed up at the Mellow Mushroom-sponsored driving range.

This wasn’t your typical golf tournament. Along the course, teams encountered fun and unexpected challenges designed to add excitement to the traditional Captain’s Choice format. These included putting with a hockey stick, playing an entire hole using just one iron selected by a Charlotte Checkers player, using the worst drive off the tee, and navigating playful heckling from Checkers players.

A highlight of the day came at the 18th tee, where PGA HOPE Veterans teamed up with World Long Drive Champion and PGA Professional Jeff Crittenden, who showcased his incredible skills while raising awareness for PGA HOPE.

Following an exciting putt-off playoff between two teams tied at -14, third place was awarded to the team consisting of Lauren Glenn, Nelson Wixson, Jason Denny, and Connor McCafferty. The second place team with players Josh Jones, Mike Joyner, David Nelson, and Billy Johnson finished at -16, and the first place champions of the inaugural Charlotte Checkers Golf Tournament, David Fowler, Mike Fowler, Rory Bradley, and Joey Carman won at an impressive score of -17!

The success of the day would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners, sponsors, and hosts. A heartfelt thank you to presenting partners On-Time Electrical and Novant Health for their key role in making the event possible. We also extend our gratitude to Mellow Mushroom for sponsoring the practice range, Adam’s Beverages and Pepsi for providing refreshments, Amélie’s French Bakery & Café for breakfast, and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Association (CRVA) for lunch. Finally, a special thank you to TPC Piper Glen and their outstanding staff for hosting and helping execute such a memorable event.