August 19th, 2024 was one for the books. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and the Saskatoon Golf Course was filled with excitement for the start of Grace Christian University’s Annual Golf Classic.
Hitting the Greens
The day kicked off bright and early, with 144 golfers gathering at the course, eager to get started. Everyone showed up early to check in, grab their goody bags (including those sleek Titleist Pro V1X golf balls from National Nail), and head out to their carts. With Brown & Brown Insurance and J&H Oil as our headline sponsors, we knew we were in for a top-notch event.
Right at 8:30 am, everyone was ready to go and headed off to their starting hole, and from there, it was game on.
The Highlights
There were plenty of moments throughout the day that had everyone bringing their best game. Especially the Hole in One contests, sponsored by Wendt & Associates, the Meeuwsen family, and Macatawa Bank, with two chances at $10,000 on the line. And let’s not forget the longest drive, straightest drive, and longest putt contests, where participants showed off their power and precision.
One of my favorite parts of this event was the Club Roulette & Sabotage on Silver Hole #7. Watching golfers spin the wheel to determine their next club was both hilarious and nerve-wracking—some got lucky, others not so much.
And of course, the raffle was a hit. With prizes like a Range Finder and a Whitecaps Family Fun Night Four Pack, everyone wanted a chance to win a prize.
Bringing It All Together
As each group of golfers finished up, they made their way back to the pavilion. Lunch was sponsored by BCF Wealth Strategies. The vibe was relaxed, and people were chatting about their game, sharing stories, and enjoying a well-deserved meal. But the real highlight was hearing from two of our students, Marc Paskiewicz and Jasmine Cummings. Their testimonies about their time at Grace Christian University were powerful and reminded us all why we were there—to support the next generation of courageous ambassadors for Christ.
Following the student testimonies, President Kemper took the mic to thank everyone.. He spoke about the importance of the golf classic in supporting Grace’s mission and encouraged everyone to consider how their generosity makes an impact on the mission of Grace and the students’ lives that come to Grace.
Celebrating the Winners
The day wrapped up announcing the winners of the various challenges from the event. Emily Lazor, the event coordinator, did a fantastic job keeping the excitement going as she called out the top teams and contest winners. There were cheers, high-fives, and encouragement given to those who won the prizes.
Of course, this event would not be possible without our generous sponsors.
- Headline Sponsors: Brown & Brown Insurance, J&H Oil
- Cart Sponsor: Pioneer Construction
- Merchandise Sponsor: Delago & Associates (Golf Shoe Bags)
- Pavilion Sponsor: BCF Wealth Strategies
- Beverage Sponsor: Holland Special Delivery (Water Bottles)
- Golf Ball Sponsor: National Nail
- Hole in One Sponsors: Wendt & Associates, Ed & Sherry Meeuwsen, Mike & Susan Meeuwsen, Macatawa Bank
- Eagle Sponsors: First Companies, Van Dyken Mechanical, Doug Shimmel LPC, Wedgwood Christian Services
- Birdie Sponsors: Arrow Waste, Chick Fil A-MM6, Doeren Mayhew, Electro Media, Land & Company, Midwest Sign Company, Moss, Valley City Mechanical
Their support is what makes this event—and the work we do at Grace Christian University—possible.
Until Next Year
The 2024 Golf Classic was more than just a day on the golf course. It was a time of community, a reminder of the power of generosity, and a lot of fun. As I packed up my things and headed home, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be part of something so special. Here’s to another great year at Grace Christian University—and I can’t wait to see everyone back on the greens in 2025!
