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LANETT — Some early morning rain put a damper on the start of Saturday’s second annual Bobby G. Elmore Scramble Tournament at the Point University Golf Club, but the wet weather quickly dissipated and allowed the fundraising event to be completed as scheduled. The cloudy weather cooled down things a bit and allowed for an enjoyable day on the course.

For a second straight year, the fundraising total topped $5,000.

“Rain was in the forecast, and we were really worried about it delaying play on the course,” said tournament organizer Jared Elmore. “We were so glad it held off. It actually worked out perfectly for us. It was such a cool, pleasant day out on the course. I think everyone enjoyed being here and getting in a good round of competitive golf.”

The four-member team of Alex Ball, Blake Gayles, Cory Howard and Dusty Perdue of Top Shelf Lawn and Landscaping of Columbus turned in the best score, winning the $500 first-place prize. Jeff Harper’s team captured second place, winning the $350 prize, and Garrett Sanders’ team came in third to take the $150 prize. Jon Morgan Poole won the closest to the pin award.

Lots of door prizes were given away at the end of the tournament. Jay Lee won the top prize: a TaylorMade Spider Ghost putter.

“We are so grateful the weather wasn’t as bad as it could have been,” Elmore said, “and we are well pleased our first two tournaments went as well as they did. A lot of people contacted us after the registration deadline passed. They wanted to get into the tournament, but it was too late. We already had the 18 teams we needed for a one-flight tournament. Right now we are looking at having two flights next year, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We’d like to do it around the same time next year, in early June.”

The tournament is a benefit for the Bobby G. Elmore Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that seeks to help people in the local area with needs they sometimes struggle to meet by themselves. It was founded by Elmore’s son Jared. In the past year, the Foundation has built handicap ramps, removed fallen trees from people’s yards, provided some air conditioning systems and washers and dryers for area residents who were having trouble in getting this done.

Jared’s dad died two years ago. The next year Jared started a foundation in his dad’s name. Anyone who knew Bob Elmore knew what a kind, generous person he was. During his lifetime he helped people who were struggling with their basic needs. While he was running the Sears store on Fob James Drive in Valley, he became well known for getting needed appliances for people who could not afford them. 

“He probably gave away more items than were paid for,” Jared said. “My dad was my best friend. What better way to honor his memory than to have a foundation named after him.”

In 2023, during the first few weeks the Foundation became active, more than $11,000 was raised, almost half of that in the inaugural Bobby G. Elmore tournament. Jared’s church, Hopewell Methodist, has been very helpful in getting the Foundation off to a good start.

For more information about the Bobby G. Elmore Foundation go to its Facebook page or contact Jared Elmore at (706) 590-9042.