history > Golf Tournament

After many years of focusing its fund raising activities primarily through the Annual Oak Cliff Lions Club "Extravaganza", the Club Board of Directors determined during the 2002-2003 Club year that an additional major fund raising effort was needed to help continue raising the amount of money that had been donated to charitable causes through the years.  Decision was made to hold the First Annual Oak Cliff Lions Golf Tournament.  Through the leadership of Stoney Greene and Linda Kay Peterson, and many others,  the event was planned for April 2003,  at the prestigious Oak Cliff Country Club, site of the original Dallas Open Golf Tournament in the 1960's, now known as the Byron Nelson Classic.  Hole Sponsors, major donors, and volunteers were solicited by the Golf Tournament Committee and the turnout of  players was outstanding.  A delicious Buffet Dinner was served following the Tournament  and when the final receipts were totaled, the Club netted some $13,000 from its first year effort.

Rallied by the success of the event, the Board voted to make the Tournament an Annual part of the Lion's Calendar.  So again, the Golf Tournament Committee did their solicitations and under the guidance of Greene, Peterson, Don Herring, Jr., Stan Altshuler, and others, an April 2004, date was set at the  Oak Cliff Country Club.  There were several enhancements over the first year's Tournament,  including a  Steak Dinner, more prizes, gift bags for all participants, incredible entertainment,  and a Golf Clinic by Hall of Fame golfer Kathy Whitworth, the All-Time Winningest Professional  Golfer in the History of the sport.   And once again the Club and its charities benefited from the fun of the day with yet another $13,000 netted from the Tournament. 

In just two short years the Oak Cliff Lions Golf Tournament has netted $26,000 for charitable causes and the outlook is bright for the future. 

The 3rd Oak Cliff Lions Club Benefit Golf Tournament continued the tradition of providing a fun-filled, prize-filled afternoon of golf for its participants. 84 golfers played in the Tournament, including 10 student-golfers from Oak Cliff high schools. The event netted approximately $14,000.00 for Club Charities. In addition to playing in the Tournament, recruiting other players, and purchasing hole sponsorships, members of the Club did all the volunteer activities necessary to make the event successful. Once again, Kathy Whitworth, the winningest golfer in professional golf history, put on a Pre-Tournament Clinic and then joined one of the foursomes for a half-day of golf. Ms. Whitworth is a charming lady who has enjoyed supporting the Club for the past two years, in part because of some Lions Club support she received in her youth.

The Oak Cliff Lions Club also continued to receive financial and in-kind support of major organizations throughout the metroplex. 2005 Gold Sponsors included Dennis Jeter, Fresenius Management, Neiman Marcus, Outback Steakhouse-DeSoto, Linda Kay Peterson, Texas Capital Bank, Turner Construction Company, TXU Electric Delivery, and Wal-Mart. Silver Sponsors included RBC Dain Rauscher, Southwest Airlines, Don Herring Mitsubishi, The Oak Cliff Tribune and Vinson & Elkins. Bronze Sponsors were Adams Golf, Bank of America, Ben E. Keith Company, and the University of North Texas, Dallas branch. 

In addition, the Club received gift certificates and prizes from a wide range of restaurants and golf related organizations. Danny Boyce made certain there was an ample supply of golf balls for use in the tournament, Bill Melton supplied a number of auction items, including golf balls signed by Jack Nicklaus and Don January and other Club members recruited and supplied prizes and awards for the tournament. The Oak Cliff Country Club provided rounds of golf as prizes for participants. Art Miller video recorded the tournament and played that video as part of the Outback Steakhouse-DeSoto steak dinner for the golfers. Chaired by Lion Stan Altshuler, who was joined by many able Lions assistants, the 2005 Oak Cliff Lions Golf Tournament helped bring the three year fund raising total to some $40,000.00 for Lions charitable causes.   In its fourth year of existence the Oak Cliff Lions Club Golf Tournament gained its first-ever Title Sponsor, Texas Capital Bank, thanks to Bank employees and Club Members Lion Darla Wisdom and Lion Wendy Fox.  Held on the first Monday of May 2006, at the beautiful Oak Cliff Country Club, with ideal weather, a wealth of players and Club volunteers, everyone enjoyed perhaps the most fun-packed Golf Tourney the Club has sponsored yet.  Chaired by Past President Stoney Greene and led by a pride of dedicated Lions, other "key sponsors" included Outback Steakhouse-DeSoto; TXU;  Neiman Marcus;  Lion Linda Kay Peterson;  Vinson & Elkins, LLP;  PBS&J;  and Don Herring Mitsubishi.  There were also numerous Hole Sponsors, Individual Sponsors  and "Silent" Golfers,  most of whom were Club Members.

In conjunction with the Tournament, Golf's All-Time Winingest Player Kathy Whitworth, again put on a Clinic for the participants and the Club held its first-ever Silent Auction.  Practically everyone in attendance and surely all of the golfers went home with an outstanding door prize of some type and the Oak Cliff County Club honored the first three placing Teams with gift certificates to the Club's Pro Shop. 

With a good turnout and hearty support by Lions, the 2006 Tournament netted some $17,500.00, bringing the four year net total for the Tournament to approximately $57,500.00 for charitable causes. 

The 2007 Oak Cliff Lions Club Golf Tournament was held on May 7th on an historic day as the Oak Cliff Country Club, that day, officially changed its long-time name to the Golf Club at Dallas. Texas Capital Bank once again was the Title Sponsor for the event, with the additional financial support of a number of Club Members and community businesses. There was a full cadre of Lion volunteers, golfers and with good weather for the day, it was a most successful Tournament. Lion Wendy Fox and Lion Ray Averitt served as Co-Chairs of the full day of activity, which also included a Silent Auction of many great donated prizes and Door Prizes for many of the players. Once again, Art Miller of TXU provided his slide show of the golfers and special music and effects throughout the Awards Ceremony. The Tournament netted some $18,500.00 thus bringing the five year total for the Golf Tournament to some $76,000.00.

May 5, 2008, marked the sixth Oak Cliff Lions Club Golf Tournament, returning to The Golf Club at Dallas, with the largest field of golfers yet in the History of the Tournament. Chair Carrie Smith and her Committee worked hard to secure Sponsorships and there were many - KRLD News Radio 1080, 98.7 KLUV, Bank of Texas, Coca Cola, Bank of America, Outback Steakhouse, Don Herring Mitsubishi, Energy Spectrum, Jason's Deli, Golf Galaxy, Able, and Anytime Fitness. The weather was great, the golf and camaraderie outstanding, with wonderful food and beverage and prizes all around, as well as an unbelievable Silent Auction! And Members of the Oak Cliff Lions Club turned out in droves to volunteer their time and service for the Event. Once again, Art Miller and Crew from Oncor provided "live" shots of action from throughout the day at the 19th Hole Dinner and Winners with great scores were Awarded great prizes. Also, once again, Lion Linda Peterson traveled all the way from her home in Breckenridge, Colorado to lead her winning All-Ladies Team in the Tournament. It was a great day with net proceeds of approximately $20,000.00 raised, bringing the six year total for the Oak Cliff Lions Golf Tournament to just under $100,000.00.

A beautiful sunny day greeted golfers and Lions at The Golf Club at Dallas for the Club's Seventh Annual Golf Tournament on May 4, 2009. Chaired by Lion Ashley Chretien and Vice President Mike Lott, an outstanding group of golfers enjoyed a full day of golf, fun and fellowship, while helping Lions Charities. The Swank Capital Group was Title Sponsor with Texas Capital Bank providing dinner for all. Other Key Sponsors included Ben E. Keith, Southwest Blueprint, Neiman Marcus, ONCOR, Tyler Street Christian Academy, Don Herring Mitsubishi, KRLD/105.3 The Fan, JoDonettes and numerous Lions who were Hole Sponsors. Art Miller and Jay Linstrom of ONCOR were again on hand to film the golfers in performance, as well as the events of the day, which was screened at the Awards Dinner. First, Second and Third Place Teams received Academy Gift Cards. There were also Prizes for the Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin. A Mitsubishi Lancer was offered for a Hole in One on Hole #3. None was made; however, the first Hole in One in the seven year History of the Tournament was made on the Par 3 Hole #13. A Silent Auction, Book and Texas Rangers Ticket Sales also added to the finances for the day and many golfers left with special Door Prizes. And again, Lion Linda Kay Peterson flew in from Colorado to compete with her all-ladies Team. Approximately 40 Oak Cliff Lions volunteered for assignments during the day. It was a another successful day for the Oak Cliff Lions Club with the Tournament netting some $ 19,500, bringing the seven year total to approximately $ 115,000.00.

The 8th Annual Oak Cliff Lions Club Golf Tournament was held May 3, 2010, at The Golf Club at Dallas. Following lunch, it was another beautiful day on the Course with hot action and Lions Service at work. Corporate Sponsors were Neiman Marcus and Oncor. 17 Lions were Hole Sponsors, as well as Norma's Cafe, one Lion served as Cart Sponsor and 18 served as "Friends of Oak Cliff Lions" Sponsors. There was a Silent Auction and Door Prizes following the Dinner and Grand Prizes for the Top Three Winning Teams. Lion Ashley Chretien and Past President Bonnie Breazeale were Co-Chairs of the event. The Tournament raised approximately $ 14,000.00 net, bringing the eight year total to $ 129,000.00 for charitble causes.

2011 marked a new start for the 9th Annual Oak Cliff Lions Club Golf Tournament as the Tourney moved to Thorntree Golf Club in DeSoto, Texas. Some 80 golfers braved the threat of inclement weather to participate and enjoy lunch, a beautiful golf course, great dinner, silent auction, door prizes and awards. Sponsors for the Event included: Texas Capital Bank, Methodist Hospital, Oncor, Jim McDonald Insurance, Alliance Insurance Agency, Morrison Management Company, Maroney Excavation, Rockwall Wedding Chapel, Embroideme Cedar Hill, The JoDonettes, Grand Bank of Texas, PeopleNewsPapers, Focus Newspapers, Paramount Alarms, TAG Magnet School, Piper, Anastasia Semos and Shelby Starr – REALTORS, County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, President Danny Boyce, Immediate Past President Charlie Tupper, Past President Darla Wisdom, Past President Tom Timmons, Past President Dr. Burt Bryan and Past President, Coppell Lions Club Margaret Bryan, Lion Judy Vincent, Lion Helen Spears and Lions Herb and Carolyn Garon. The 2011 Tournament received a great deal of media attention, including radio spots and Dallas Morning News and local newspaper stories. The Silent Auction, thanks to many great donated gifts and guided by Past President Carolyn Dunnigan, netted some $2,000.00. Past President Amy Alburtis was Chair of the 2011 Tournament. 

The morning of May 8, 2012, was a perfect day at the newly renovated Stevens Park Golf Course for the 10th Annual Oak Cliff Lions Club Golf Tournament. 84 golfers took to the Course to experience a great round of golf and help the Club raise funds for charitable purposes. There were special prizes on the Course, Lions Hospitality throughout the day and a Silent Auction and door prizes, as well as big prizes for the top three winning Teams. Texas Capital Bank, several other organizations and numerous Lions made contributions to assist the Tournament. Art Miller of Encore produced and presented a fantastic audio video presentation of the day's activities. Past President Bonnie Breazeale and Lion Scott Chase Co-Chaired the Tournament which raised approximately $14,000.00 for Oak Cliff Lions Charities. The Oak Cliff Lions Club extends special thanks to Stevens Park Golf Pro Jim Henderson for his great assistance with the Tournament!   A new era for the Oak Cliff Lions dawned on October 2, 2012, as the Club moved its Annual Golf Tournament from the spring to the fall. For the second time in 2012, beautiful Stevens Park Golf Course, and Host Pro Jim Henderson, welcomed the Oak Cliff Lions Tournament. Some 60 golfers teed off with a big golf round and 1st Prize on their minds. Some 25 Club Members served as Tournament Volunteers, as well as those playing. Texas Capital Bank Sponsored lunch; Past President Mike Lott, Past President Charlie Tupper and Treasurer Layne Vincent Sponsored Breakfast; Don Herring Mitsubishi Sponsored the “Hole In One” Hole, again; Senator Royce West Sponsored Registration; Past President Steve Elwell Sponsored the Drink Cart and numerous Oak Cliff Lions served as Hole Sponsors. Big Prizes were awarded to the top three finishing Teams and Door Prizes were won by many. Past President Bonnie Breazeale and Lion Stan Altschuler served as Co-Chairs of the Tournament which raised approximately $10,000.00 for Oak Cliff Lions Club Charities.   On October 1, 2013, the Oak Cliff Lions Club held their 12th Annual Golf Tournament. It was once again held at the Stevens Park Golf Course and host Pro Jim Henderson welcomed the participants to the event. 

Almost 50 golfers teed off in a shot gun start. There were over 30 Lion volunteers on hand throughout the day to help with sign-in, hole watching, silent auctioning and various other things that are needed to have a successful tournament. Lion Diana and David Ezzell were the lunch hosts; Past Presidents Mike Lott and Charlie Tupper and Third Vice President Layne Vincent hosted the breakfast; Don Herring Mitsubishi sponsored the “Hole In One” Contest; Past President Steve Elwell sponsored the drink cart and Lion Shelby Starr sponsored the picture cart. Lion Larry Frazier rode the course taking action pictures while Lions Kathy Frazier and Fawn Walker took pictures of the foursomes as they played a hole. Texas Capital Bank was an “Exclusive Hole Sponsor” and there were numerous other Hole Sponsors. Past President Carolyn Dunnigan was in charge of the Silent Auction and Past President Iris Smith and Lion Frances Stinnett were in charge of the auction baskets. Second Vice President Carol Donovan and Tournament Co-Chair Past President Bonnie Breazeale donated to the ditty bags given to each golfer. Past President Lott was the other Co-Chair. Slightly more than $11,000, net, was raised for Oak Cliff Lions Club Charities and community projects supported by the Club, from the Tournament.

The Oak Cliff Lions Club 13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament “Teed Off” October 7, 2014, at beautiful Stevens Park Golf Course.  Some 46 golfers took to the course for fun and fellowship.(Lion) Don Herring Mitsubishi was Hole in One Sponsor; Lion Diana and David Ezzell served as Luncheon Sponsor; Texas Capital Bank and Jo Donnettes were Executive Hole Sponsors;  1st VP Carol Donovan and Event Chair Past President Bonnie Breazeale were Bag Sponsors; PP Mike Lott, PP Charlie Tupper and 2nd VP Layne Vincent Sponsored Breakfast; Lion Ruben Esquivel was Ditty Bag Sponsor; PP Steve Elwell and Morrison Management Company Sponsored the Drink Cart;  Lion Shelby Starr and David Griffin Realtors Sponsored the Photo Cart; while Methodist Hospital served as Registration Sponsor.  Hole Sponsors included: Alliance Insurance, Lion Mike & Patty Satarino, Rockwall Wedding Chapel, Grand Bank of Texas, Judge Fite Realtors – Lion Robert Bown, David Griffin, State Senator Royce West, PP Stoney Greene, TeCo Theatrical Productions, Inc., PP/PDG Darla Wisdom, Southwest Blue Print, Lion Scott Chase, PP Carolyn Dunnigan, Kessler School, PP Durhl & Lion Jo Ann Holt Caussey, and Susette Jones.  “Friends of Oak Cliff Lions” were Lion Paula Maroney and Edward Jones – Charles Peyton.  With all funds collected, from golfers, sponsors, and other sources, the Club realized an approximate net profit of $12,000.00 for Club Charities. 

2015 Stevens Park Golf Course Bonnie Breazeale & Mike Lott, Chairs 

2016 Stevens Park Golf Course Bonnie Breazeale & Mike Lott, Chairs

2017 Stevens Park Golf Course Bonnie Breazeale & Mike Lott, Chairs

2018 Golf Club at Dallas Layne Vincent, Darla Wisdom & Iris Smith, Chairs 

2019 No Golf Tournament Held

2020 Golf Tournament Cancelled Due to Pandemic

2021 No Golf Tournament Held

2022 Stevens Park Golf Course - Stan Altschuler, Chair

2023 Golf Club of Dallas - Bobby Allen, Chair