Freed-Hardeman University Golf Tournament Raises Funds with Alumni Support
The Second Annual Golf Fundraiser Tournament conducted by Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) was a remarkable success, pulling in over $18,000 to support the university's golf programs. On June 8, the tournament took place at the scenic Brentwood Country Club in Brentwood, Tennessee. This year’s event not only aimed to gather funds but also honored two distinguished FHU Golf alumni, Ben Burnette and Kayland (Boling) Wilson, while also celebrating the legacy of Cliff Bennett, a treasured former coach and professor.
With the aid of 14 generous sponsors and participation from 21 teams, the tournament was a phenomenal showcase of community support for FHU’s athletic endeavors. Among the sponsors were notable participants such as Pathward as the Premier Title Sponsor and RJ Young, who played a crucial role in promoting FHU Golf. FHU's Golf Coach Randall Rhodes expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, players, and supporters, acknowledging that the funds raised will significantly assist in striving towards the goals set for the 2026-27 season, specifically in enhancing resources for practices, player development, and competitive tournaments.
The event drew in a variety of participants, including the new FHU President Keith Harris and Board of Trustees member Brett Pharr. Harris expressed optimism about the future of the FHU golf program, remarking on the university's legacy of excellence both on and off the course. He emphasized the program's rich history and highlighted the contributions made by alumni to uphold FHU's reputation.
In a heartfelt tribute, the tournament honored alumni Burnette, who graduated in 2018, and Wilson, a 2019 graduate. During their tenure at FHU, both athletes achieved significant recognition for their sportsmanship and academic performance. Burnette led the Lions to multiple tournament victories and achieved a noteworthy national ranking, whereas Wilson not only won two individual championships but also contributed to numerous team titles. Their commitment to excellence remains a pivotal part of FHU’s athletic narrative, with Wilson advancing as a collegiate golf coach and Burnette actively supporting FHU Athletics.
The event also poignantly honored the memory of Cliff Bennett, a class of 1961 graduate who passed away in March 2025. Bennett was celebrated for his contributions as both a player and coach where his legacy of mentorship continues to resonate within the program, inspiring new generations of athletes at FHU. The commitment he showed towards fostering talent in young golfers forms a lasting influence on the values and principles upheld within the university's athletic programs.
Freed-Hardeman University, located in Henderson, Tennessee, is dedicated to fostering student development through a faith-integrated education. Offering a range of degree programs, from associate to doctoral, FHU aims to empower students to realize their God-given talents. To learn more about the university and its offerings, visit fhu.edu.