18th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Raises $1.38 Million

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Denton Padgett, a former resident at OK Kids Korral, and Toby Keith. Photo: Courtesy of Shock Ink

This year’s 18th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic on May 20-21 in Oklahoma City and Norman, Oklahoma was a big success, raising nearly $1.4 million for charity.

This year’s total was the third highest ever, raising funds for the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children being treated at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. The event has raised more than $16 million since its inception.

Winning afternoon team. Pictured (L-R): John Bochnowski, Mark Bochnowski, Toby Keith, Scott Challis, Chris Cleary and Drew Hawley. Photo: Courtesy of Shock Ink

Getaways were a big draw this year, with the top drawing live auction item being a golf getaway for eight to the luxury resort Diamante Cabo San Lucas, which earned a bid of $82,000–twice. In the silent auction, a stay at Lake of the Ozarks drew the top bid of $4,500.

John Conlee headlined Friday night’s gala dinner with support from local favorites Hypnotik. The next day’s double shotgun start Golf Classic at Keith’s Belmar Golf Club was won by the morning team of Slater Miller, Luke Switzer, Christian Johnson, Kevin Bookout and Nolan Rankin, and the afternoon team of John Bochnowski, Mark Bochnowski, Scott Challis, Chris Cleary and Drew Hawley. The closest-to-the-hole shootout winner was Mike Hearne, who took home $10,000.

Launched in 2004, the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic features a two-day format with a gala dinner and auction the first night followed by a shotgun start golf tourney the following day. Proceeds funded the development, building and eventual operation of OK Kids Korral, which is now in its eighth year welcoming and comforting children with cancer and their families.

Mike Hearne, winner of the $10,000 shootout, with Toby Keith. Photo: Courtesy of Shock Ink

Lorie Hollabaugh
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