Overwhelming Participation in 20th Annual Bishop’s Golf Classic

Over $66,000 Raised for Diocese of West Texas Camp Scholarships

Not a cloud was in the sky, and the sun was shining brightly on beautiful, crisp, morning on Monday, November 3 when golfers from around the diocese gathered at The Club at Sonterra in San Antonio to play a round and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Bishop’s Golf Tournament.

The tournament, started on November 13, 2006 by the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge. D.D., 9th Bishop of West Texas, supports the Diocese of West Texas Camp Scholarship fund has grown in participation each year. The event has grown in participation each year. This year the tournament topped 2024's record-breaker, raising over $66,000 to send children and families to one of the diocese’s three camps: Camp Capers in the Texas Hill Country, Mustang Island Conference Center along the Texas Coast and Duncan Park in the Colorado mountains.

The day began with a welcome and blessing from the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas. A buffet of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs were served on the Veranda overlooking The Club at Sonterra’s 9th Hole prior to players teeing off.

Along with the fun of playing on a scenic, pristine, golf course, players enjoyed fellowship and friendly competition with players representing sponsors, churches, and communities across the diocese. Bishop and Jacqui Read and Bishop Cortiñas made rounds traveling the course to greet players and wish them luck.

Raffles, Auctions and Awards

Following the conclusion of the round, players, sponsors, and diocesan and camp staff gathered for a Mexican buffet, a regular and special Bishops’ raffle, a silent auction, and an exciting Live Auction featuring David Digby, renowned auctioneer. Capping off an enjoyable day was the announcement of the tournament winners:

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1st Place – TMI Episcopal; $1,000 awarded to the school

Marco Balma

Julian Hansen

Bradley Rodriquez

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2nd Place – Rio Bank; $800 designation of award to be determined

Jason Hendrix

Mike Sledge

Kevin Whitworth

Zach McDonald

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3rd Place – St. Stephen’s, San Antonio; $600 awarded to the church

The Rev. Dustin Barrows

Justin Boudreau

Tommy Gardenhire

Jason Reichert

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4th Place -  DuWest Realty; $400 awarded to St. George Episcopal Church and School

James Grant

Dub Yarborough

Kyle Collins

Will Griffin

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5th Place – Beaty Palmer Architects; $200 awarded to Camp Scholarships

Clay Hagendorf

Tyler Muson

Ryan Kessler

Tim Blazi

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Women’s Longest Drive

Julia Hansen, TMI Episcopal

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Women’s Closest to the Pin

The Rev. Laurie McKim, Santa Fe, San Antonio

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Men’s Longest Drive

Joey Oliver

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Men’s Closest to the Pin

Gabriel Mendez

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Congratulations to the Tim Blazi who made an amazing Hole in One (with no mulligans or purchased shots) on Hole #6!

Acknowledgements

The tournament would not be possible without our sponsors.  We are grateful for their commitment to supporting our Camps and Conferences Scholarship Fund.

A special thank you is extended to tournament Co-Chairs, Corey Mowen and Justin Boudreau for their guidance, organization, and many hours of work in putting together a successful event and to David Digby for generously giving his time to support the event!

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Donate to Camp Scholarship Fund

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Contributing to the funds raised from the tournament were donations received from non-golfers who elected to support the ministry.  Each year approximately one-third of campers receive financial support through a camp scholarship.  Donations are accepted throughout the year.  If you are interested in supporting this ministry, please click here.

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