The Mentor Challenge
Tidewater Golf Club, North Myrtle Beach, SC
October 31, 2020
“The year 2020 will forever be remembered for its hardships and challenges. COVID-19 has changed the way we live and things may not return to normal for a while. When my young daughter asks me how we’re going to get through this, I tell her we will ‘hope, dream and believe’… and we will play golf.
Thankfully, our beloved game has been a welcome escape from these hard times. It is widely considered to be one of the safest ways to get much needed fresh air and exercise. It also happens to be one of the most effective ways for us to make a philanthropic difference which is so important during these trying times.
One of our foundation’s biggest beneficiaries, The First Tee of Coastal Carolinas, has been deeply affected by the financial impacts of the virus. The families and children who depend on this program for positive development and mentorship need our help to keep it alive and well.
On Saturday, October 31, our team at Gene’s Dream Foundation invites you to join us for a ‘charitable escape’ to bring relief to our First Tee chapter. You’ll receive a round of 18 holes at beautiful Tidewater Golf Club, a golfer gift package valued at nearly $300 and the chance to play in the 2021 Liberty Mutual Invitational at storied Pinehurst Resort.
Rest assured, we will put health and safety first by adhering to CDC guidelines. We will create a socially distanced experience via rolling tee times, a single cart riding system, online results/awards presentations and more. The goal is to have fun while raising critical funds in the process.
I want the kids in my hometown area to have access to this great game and the wonderful opportunities it provides. I want to personally thank you for helping us make that happen.
We hope to see you at Tidewater Golf Club in October for the Mentor Challenge!”
-Kelly Tilghman
About Gene’s Dream Foundation
The Gene’s Dream Foundation honors the life and accomplishments of Gene Weldon. It is the culmination of family and friends impacted by the persistence of this legendary mentor to introduce golf to children and teach them how to love the game. Throughout his life, Gene left his mark on the golf industry in the Myrtle Beach, SC area through mentoring youth. His impact has been spread by those he inspired to be the best they can be. Many people throughout the golf industry credit their success and understanding of life through golf to Gene Weldon.
Looking Forward…
We will continue the process of mentoring in his honor. We can only hope to be as effective as Gene, and to use his legacy to help others see the importance of mentoring youth. Thank you, Gene, for helping us to understand how and why you affected us. You will be missed, but will always live in our hearts and our efforts to carry on your dream.
Golf Legend Nancy Lopez and Duke women’s golf head coach Dan Brooks named as featured mentors
Golf legend Nancy Lopez, a 48-time winner on the LPGA Tour and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, as well as 35 year collegiate coaching veteran Dan Brooks ave committed to attend the 2019 Mentor Cup.
Click here to read more!
My father has always been my mentor. He put a golf club in my hands at the age of 3 and never pushed golf or any other sport on me. He guided me throughout all stages of my life until the very end. He is my definition of a mentor, someone who helps shape you and guide you through life. I hope to pass on this legacy to my own daughter and all the junior golfers in the area
“If you needed something, Gene said, ‘I’ll take care of that.” He’d go away and come back with it. You didn’t always know how, but Gene always came through. He had a warmth about him and selflessness that was very endearing to a lot of people, and everybody wanted to help him improve the lives of other people.”
In life, business, sports…..everybody learns from somebody. It’s vitally important to honor those you learned from, by not only using the skills they helped you develop, but also to pay forward the time they invested in you. If all of us put this simple concept into practice, the benefits to society would be immeasurable.