Bobby Lee Terry Memorial Golf Tournament
PINE BLUFF — What began as a simple idea among friends has quickly grown into something organizers hope becomes a meaningful community tradition.
The second annual Bobby Lee Terry Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, May 2 at Harbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff, with registration at 7 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
Keden Shrum and Cordero Fuentes, organizers of the event, say the event is about more than golf — it’s about honoring a man who loved the game while giving back to local athletics.
The two join Free Range Conversations podcast hosts Britt Talent and Douglas Boultinghouse, along with Terry’s wife Nora, and their daughter Kristy Lowery.
“This kind of started after the passing of Mr. Terry,” Shrum said. “We were out playing golf and decided we should do a tournament in memory of him, and at the same time do something to support schools.”
Last year’s inaugural event raised approximately $2,500 for the Rison baseball program. This year, proceeds will benefit the Rison Booster Club, with a focus on baseball and softball improvements. (Editor's Note: The print edition mistakenly noted the 2025 funds were donated to Woodlawn).
“We don’t ever want to lose sight of why we started this,” Shrum said. “That’s to remember Bobby Lee Terry and support the kids.”
Honoring a Life Rooted in Community
Terry, a Woodlawn native, was known for his love of both baseball and golf. Family members recalled his long history with the game, often playing at the old Jaycees course alongside a close-knit group of local golfers.
“There was a group of older men that met there every day,” his wife Nora said. “Once he started going again, he just fell right in with them — then he wanted to go every day.”
For his family, the tournament came as both a surprise and an honor.
“It was a total surprise,” Lowery said. “We felt honored that they thought of Dad. We had no idea they were planning something like this.”
The event has also become a way for the community to gather and share memories.
“Last year, the family brought pictures to display,” Fuentes said. “It was really special to see people remembering him and knowing the school benefited from it.”
Growing the Tournament
After a successful first year, organizers are expanding the tournament from 18 to 22 teams.
The event will again feature a four-man scramble format, with a $300 entry fee per team ($75 per player), which includes lunch, giveaways and door prizes.
“We learned a lot last year,” Shrum said. “We had never planned a tournament before, but it came together really well. This year, we’re just trying to improve it.”
New additions include live scoring and online registration through a tournament website, allowing participants to track standings in real time.
“They’ll be able to walk in and look at a screen and see where they stand,” he said. “That’s going to take it to another level.”
Community Support Drives Success
Local businesses and sponsors, such as Dixon Golf and Gateway Bank, have played a key role in the tournament’s growth, helping provide prizes, meals and player gifts.
“The sponsors help us provide the things people expect when they play in a tournament,” Shrum said. “We heard last year they wanted a few more extras, so we’ve worked on that.”
The event has also attracted outside interest, with players expected from across the region.
“We’ll have people from Rison, Pine Bluff, and surrounding areas,” he said. “Even if you’re not from here, it’s still a great event to be part of.”
Family members say that kind of support reflects Terry’s lasting impact.
“Everybody coming together like this — that’s what makes it special,” Lowery said.
More Than Just Golf
While competition is part of the day, organizers emphasize the tournament’s community spirit.
“I’ve never gone into a golf tournament expecting to win,” Shrum said. “I’m there for the fun and the fellowship.”
That attitude helped define last year’s event, which featured food, prizes and plenty of camaraderie.
“We made burgers all day long,” Lowery said. “Everybody was involved — it really was a team effort.”
Organizers hope the tournament continues to grow into a staple spring event in the area.
“I definitely hope that’s what this becomes,” Fuentes said. “A way to honor Mr. Terry and support the community every year.”
How to Participate
Players and sponsors can register online or through the event’s Facebook page. Organizers encourage early registration as team slots may fill quickly.
Online registration is available at https://charitygolftoday.com/bobbyterry
Sponsors can also sign up online at the link above.
“If you don’t have a full team, sign up anyway,” Shrum said. “We’ll help find a team for you.”
With strong community backing and a clear purpose, the Bobby Lee Terry Memorial Golf Tournament is poised to build on its early success.
“It’s already grown from year one to year two,” Fuentes said. “We’re just excited to see where it goes from here.”
The full episode of the podcast is streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and ClevelandCountyHerald.com