‘Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic’ To Celebrate 20th Anniversary
The “Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic” will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, returning to Norman, Oklahoma May 31–June 1 in support of OK Kids Korral—the cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses.
Eli Young Band, who opened for Keith on tour and was signed to his record label Show Dog Nashville, will headline the denim and diamonds-themed dinner and auction on May 31 at Riverwind Casino with support from local band The Bottom of The Barrel.
Keith’s longtime friends Bob Stoops, University of Oklahoma’s former football Head Coach, and Jim West, business executive and Founder of NCAA golf’s Jim West Challenge, are set to emcee. Gene McKown will step in as the auctioneer. The shotgun start begins June 1 at Norman’s Belmar Golf Club.
To date, the event has raised a total of nearly $18 million, with the 19th installment raising a record $1.8 million. Late last year, Keith told KWTV News 9’s Robin Marsh, “[OK Kids Korral is] my best gift I’ve ever given to the world. One of the first things I thought of when I got cancer was who’s gonna take care of the Korral? Who will carry that torch?”
“The first ‘Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic’ was held under a tent and people recall the ‘mud pit’ being one of the best parts. Toby and his friends came together that year to raise money for children with cancer and they did it while having fun,” says Juliet Nees-Bright, Executive Director, The Toby Keith Foundation. “Now, 20 years later, we are getting ready to host our first event without Toby acting as the emcee, ribbing us to donate and entertaining us throughout the night. This year will be a balancing act as we remember him, but also honor his wishes to continue throwing one hell of a party. Let’s make Toby proud!”
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