A Day for Golf & Giving Back
By Chuck Tierney
The Knights of Columbus, Holy Cross Catholic Church (Kernersville) invites golfers and sponsors to join us for this year’s Operation LAMB and Holy Cross Council 8509 Golf Classic on Saturday, May 10 at Pine Knolls Golf Club. Operation LAMB is dedicated to assisting local children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The foundation’s name comes from Matthew 25:40 “Whatsoever you do to the least among my brethren, that you also do to me.” Funds raised from this tournament directly benefit special education programs in Kernersville and Walkertown.
The Captain’s Choice tournament is more than just golf—it is a day of fun, fellowship, and charity. Last year, we sold out for the second consecutive year, welcoming 110 golfers and raising over $11,000 for LAMB and other local charities. The Knights of Columbus Council 8509, established in 1983, has a long history of community involvement. In addition to our successful Coats for Kids campaign (which shattered records this year with 637 coats—more than triple the previous record), we proudly support organizations such as: The Shepherd’s Center, Next Step Ministries, Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, Veterans Helping Veterans Heal, Winston-Salem Boys & Girls Club, Shop with a Cop, Crisis Control Ministry, and more. We partnered with Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough and his outstanding team to distribute coats, even extending our reach to mountain communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Tournament Highlights & Prizes
Under the leadership of Bruce Baden and our Golf Committee, this tournament has become one of the premier nonprofit golf events in the region. We have significantly enhanced our prize pool, which includes, cash awards for the top three teams and cash prizes for closest-to-the-pin on all par-three holes. There will also be the chance to win other prizes such as golf balls, gloves, restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays (O.Henry and Proximity Hotels), gift baskets, and rounds of golf at multiple courses. Last year we even had a Hole In One Contest, with prizes including a brand-new car from Parks Chevrolet.
Honoring First Responders & Remembering Phil Lamendola
As a way of giving back, we are once again inviting local first responders to play as our special guests. We have extended invitations to Police Chief Jason Tilley, Fire Chief Scott Alderman, and the Sheriff’s Department, who have all graciously agreed to participate. Last year, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough even joined us on the course.
We will also take time to honor and celebrate the life of Phil Lamendola, one of our Council’s founding members and biggest supporters. Affectionately known as Uncle Phil, he helped establish our Council 40 years ago. We hope his sons, Pete and Philip, along with other family members, will join us again to remember his incredible legacy.
Tournament Details & Sponsorship Opportunities
Entry Fee is $80 per golfer, which includes coffee and donuts, 18 holes, lunch from Pine Knolls Pub & Grill, a complimentary gift bag, and the option to purchase two tee busters and two mulligans for $5 each. There will be free beverages and snacks (with tip donations accepted).
The Sponsorship Levels:
Tee or Hole Sponsor – $125
Beverage Cart Sponsor – $150
Silver Sponsor – $450
Platinum Sponsor – $1,000
If you would like to register to become a sponsor, please contact Chuck Tierney at 336-682-9447.
For those who wish to donate but cannot attend, checks can be made payable to Knights of Columbus 8509. You can mail your checks to Chuck Tierney, 5724 Brightington Court, Kernersville, NC 27284.
This event is open to everyone! You do not have to be a member of the Knights of Columbus or Catholic to participate. This event welcomes men and women of all skill levels—even if you are not a great golfer, your support makes a difference!
Registration is at 7:15AM on May 10, with a Shotgun Start at 8:00AM. We hope to see you on the course for a great day of golf and giving back!