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Gene’s Dream Foundation is in honor of the late Gene Weldon, a dedicated PGA professional who was a mentor to countless junior golfers in the Carolinas including Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman & Charlie Rymer.

Weldon’s legacy lives on through the foundation and the Mentor Cup, a tournament that creates a bonding atmosphere for adults and juniors alike.

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INAUGURAL MENTOR CUP WEEKEND A HUGE SUCCESS

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More than 50 Mentor/Mentee teams participated in a fun filled format.

David Feherty donated a two-hour standup comedy performance with all proceeds benefitting Gene’s Dream Foundation, The First Tee of Coastal Carolinas and Project Golf.

Hall of Fame Coach Dan Brooks gave a motivational speech to children on the educational opportunities golf can provide.

Life long LPGA teaching professional Jamie Fisher provided adults and juniors with priceless golf lessons.

TRIBUTE TO OUR FAVORITE MENTOR

Over the course of his lengthy golf career, Gene Weldon was constantly trying to solve his putting woes to the point where it became the running joke with his family and friends. After trying countless styles and grips, Gene finally landed on a, still unreliable, long putter. In the inaugural Mentor Cup golf tournament, all contestants got the chance to putt with our namesake’s notoriously balky long putter. We parked a golf cart by the 18th green with his putter inside his old Power Bilt golf bag. It was inspiring to see so many people using the same putter that Gene did.

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What Happened During Our Inaugural Mentor Cup Weekend on October 26-27

October 26 – Gene’s Dream Gala

On Friday, October 26th, an elegant evening at The Surf Golf & Beach Club welcomed more than 100 guests who were delighted by a surprise visit from golf’s funnyman David Feherty. After enjoying complimentary cocktails and a silent auction, guests were treated to a delicious meal while being entertained by the likes of Kelly Tilghman, David Feherty, Charlie Rymer and football great Sterling Sharpe. The night also featured a live auction with Duke men’s basketball ‘game of choice’ tickets, a 2020 Ryder Cup experience and a golf getaway with Charlie Rymer at the prestigious Honors Club in Tennessee.

October 27 – Mentor Cup Golf Tournament

On Saturday morning, October 27th, more than 50 teams gathered to christen a brand new event which featured 9 holes of captain’s choice and 9 holes of modified alternate shot at Tidewater Golf Club. Mentors and junior mentees partnered up for a chance to become the first winners of the Mentor Cup. A chilly, cloud covered fall morning gave way to a warmer, sunnier afternoon. The winning score in the Advanced Flight was an eye-popping 62! The winning totals for the Intermediate and Beginner Flights were both 75. Congrats to all of this year’s winning teams

Golf Channel’s Charlie Rymer and Kelly Tilghman discuss Gene’s Dream with his son Wil Weldon

October 27 – Feherty: Off Tour Live!

The inaugural Mentor Cup weekend ended in thrilling fashion when the hilarious David Feherty performed his wildly popular stand up comedy show at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. 150 VIP guests enjoyed a special meet and greet with David, complete with an autographed copy of his latest book. All proceeds went to Gene’s Dream Foundation and The First Tee of Coastal Carolinas.

David Feherty

Rocks Myrtle BeachRead Article

Out of the goodness of his huge heart, David Feherty donated a 2-hour stand-up comedy performance that brought the house down at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. His wildly popular Feherty: Off Tour Live! attracted guests from far and wide. All proceeds benefitted Gene’s Dream Foundation and The First Tee of Coastal Carolinas.

Thanks to everyone who supported Gene’s Dream Foundation and the 2018 Mentor Cup

The Bench Invitational

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Elizabeth A. Kelly, MD

The Mayo Family

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 Wil Weldon

“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.” Kelly Tilghman

The Golf Channel

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. Charlie Rymer