MEEKER | The Meeker community showed its strong support for local recreation on September 14, 2025, during the first annual “For the Love of the Course” golf tournament, raising $19,725 to benefit the Meeker Golf Course.
A total of 92 golfers took to the fairways on a perfect late-summer day, enjoying an immaculately maintained course, a delicious meal, and friendly competition. Nearly 200 invitations were also sent out asking for donations, and those who contributed were treated to lunch that day as a thank-you for their generosity and support.
The event showcased Meeker’s community spirit, with local businesses and individuals coming together to make the fundraiser a success. Major thanks were extended to Grand River Health, Bailey Waldref- Real Estate West, The Mend, Billy Burke, Northwest Auto, the Meeker Ladies and Men’s Golf Clubs, Elk Creek Ranch, Meeker Fertilizer, and the Town of Meeker.
One of the highlights of the day was the hole-in-one challenge, sponsored by Northwest Auto, which offered a mobile vehicle prize. Insurance for the prize cost approximately $12,000, covered in part by Mark and Naomi Etchart of Meeker Fertilizer along with Northwest Auto. Additional prizes included a $500 Mastercard for a hole-in-one on another hole and Omaha Steaks for a year.
Tournament champions Pat Walsh, Chad Denies, Clark Edwards, and Matt Fellows shot 15 under par to take first-place honors.
“First, I would like to thank the Meeker Golf Course staff and everyone involved in setting this tournament up,” said Matt Fellows. “The turnout was amazing, and the golf course was perfect. Our whole team played well and had a great time. A special thanks to Kris and Kortnee with Farm Bureau Insurance for sponsoring our team.”
“All of this came together because of the incredible teamwork and generosity of our community,” the tournament committee said. “Alone we can do little; together we can do much. Every donation and every effort made this event a success.”
The committee emphasized that 100% of the funds raised will go toward course improvements, ensuring that the Meeker Golf Course continues to be a source of pride and recreation for years to come.
As the final putts dropped and the last prizes were awarded, one thing was clear — the “For the Love of the Course” tournament was about more than golf. It was a celebration of community spirit, generosity, and shared love for a course that brings Meeker together. Plans are already in motion for next year’s event, promising another day of fun, fellowship, and support for the greens Meeker calls home.
By JARED HENDERSON |
