Record Turnout at Laurens Electric Golf Tournament Raises $21,000 for Community Programs

A record number of local business leaders hit the greens on June 17 to support Laurens Electric Cooperative’s annual charity golf tournament, held at Holly Tree Country Club in Simpsonville.

The tournament brought together 120 golfers representing area businesses and electric co-ops, making it the largest turnout in the event’s 20-plus-year history. The event raised $21,000 to support Laurens Electric’s Cooperative Caring program and Community Impact Initiative.

First place honors went to the team from Piedmont Rural Telephone Corp: Jerry O’Bryant, Rodney Stevenson, Tyler Croxton, and Cason Mabry. Michael Manness and Daniel Dye also earned individual awards for closest to the pin and longest drive, respectively.

“This year’s turnout and the amount raised was the highest yet,” said David Hammond of Laurens Electric, who organizes the event. “And we couldn’t make it all happen without our employee volunteers.”

Beyond raising funds, the tournament offered participants a valuable networking opportunity and a way to give back to the community.

Proceeds benefit two key programs. Cooperative Caring helps local families who are struggling to pay their electric bills and has already assisted more than 2,500 households. The Community Impact Initiative provides grants of up to $2,000 to area nonprofits for projects that creatively and practically address local needs. Grant recipients are selected by local chambers of commerce.

Both programs reflect Laurens Electric’s commitment to building stronger communities—on and off the course.

Cover Photo: (from left) PRTC’s Tyler Croxton, Rodney Stevenson, Jerry O’Bryant, and Cason Mabry (not pictured) took first place at this year’s tournament.