Playing For Good

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: November - 2022

August was a stellar month for golfers and the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation. 

The 40th Annual Bob Jones Invitational Golf Tournament resulted in more than $230,000 for Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, established on February 1, 2019, as a 501(c)(3) public charity to improve the health and well-being of Highlands, Cashiers, and surrounding communities. 

The tournament, held this year on August 13, is named after the legendary Bobby Jones and features Walker Cup players from the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland. Jones, who died in 1971, was selected to play on the United States Walker Cup Team five times and twice served as its captain. Most importantly and relevant to The Laurel readers, Jones loved Highlands and was instrumental in the development of Highlands Country Club, where he christened the course there by hitting the first ball when it opened in 1928.

Jones played in 31 championships and placed first or second more than 50 percent of the time. But he was also an inventor and an entrepreneur, and a line of clothing still bears his name today.

Proceeds raised during the tournament fund the Foundation’s initiatives, including the Blue Ridge Health Highlands-Cashiers Clinic, which is the Foundation’s number-one priority project due to the fact that the Clinic provides an array of services to meet the needs of many people in the region. Some services include behavioral, family medicine, pediatric medicine, nutrition, and pharmaceutical. 

After the tournament, Jim Santo, co-chair of the tournament committee, said, “We are pleased to dedicate the proceeds from the Bob Jones Invitational Golf Tournament to support the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation. Their important work supports health and well-being for families and neighbors across our Highlands and Cashiers area. Their commitment to Blue Ridge Health Highlands-Cashiers Clinic, and the local access to high quality, affordable health care, is essential to all of us.”

Supporting healthcare on the Plateau is not new to Highlands Country Club. In fact, the Bob Jones Invitational has contributed over $6 million to vital healthcare services and initiatives over the last 39 years.

Commented Robin Tindall, the Foundation’s CEO and Executive  Director, “We are extremely grateful for our historic partnership with Highlands Country Club’s distinguished Bob Jones’ event. The generous support each year is pivotal to the Foundation’s long-term commitment to health and well-being in our communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and who worked backstage for making a profound difference as we continue our work to lift health and well-being, together.”