University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
2026 Bulldog Scholarship Golf Classic Presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Raises More Than $160,000 for Student-Athlete Scholarships
08.21.2026 | General
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The 2026 Bulldog Scholarship Golf Classic was a tremendous success, raising more than $160,000 to support scholarships for UNC Asheville student-athletes.
More than 200 golfers came together August 17–18 at the Country Club of Asheville for two days of golf, fellowship and support of the Bulldogs. The sold-out event continued one of UNC Asheville Athletics' premier fundraising traditions, with proceeds directly supporting student-athlete scholarships and helping Bulldogs succeed in the classroom, in competition and beyond.
"Securing more than $160,000 for scholarships represents a powerful statement to the generosity of our golfers, sponsors, donors, and partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year's successful event," stated UNC Asheville Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "Your funding directly impacts the academic and athletic success of our Bulldog Student-Athletes."
The 2026 Bulldog Scholarship Golf Classic was presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort served as Presenting Sponsor, with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians serving as Title Sponsor. UNC Asheville was also honored to welcome Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and his wife, Marsha Hicks, as Honorary Tournament Chairs.
Special thanks also go to EM Structural, the Reception and Cart Sponsor; Arby's for providing lunch; Canteen for snacks; Pepsi for beverages; Budweiser for providing beer; and Dunkin' for providing coffee and donuts. UNC Asheville Athletics is also grateful to the more than 60 tee sign and contest sponsors whose generosity contributed to the success of the Classic.
The event would not be possible without the dedicated work of the Bulldog Scholarship Golf Classic Planning Committee: Bruce Goforth, Betsy Blose, Darlene Davis, John Pierce, Rick Lutovsky, Donna Peek, Leigh Barton and Anna Catherine Pritchard, as well as the many volunteers and staff members who helped make the two-day event possible. UNC Asheville Athletics also extends its gratitude to the Country Club of Asheville and its entire staff for once again providing a first-class experience for golfers and guests.
While the competition and camaraderie make the Bulldog Scholarship Golf Classic a special tradition each year, its greatest impact extends well beyond the golf course. The more than $160,000 raised provides scholarship support that helps Bulldog student-athletes earn a UNC Asheville education, compete at the highest level and build a foundation for success beyond their time on campus.
To every golfer, sponsor, donor, volunteer, committee member, community partner and friend of UNC Asheville Athletics who helped make this year's Classic a success: thank you for investing in our student-athletes and helping us produce Champions in Athletics and Leaders in Life.
Go Bulldogs!
2026 Bulldog Scholarship Classic Results
Congratulations to all of the golfers who competed in this year's Classic and to the following tournament and contest winners:
Monday Results:
1st Place — Low Gross
Michelle Hicks, Michael Stamper, Jim Owle and Holden Straughan
1st Place — Low Net
Bruce Barker, Janet Cone, Scott Austin and Katie Meier
2nd Place — Low Net
Zach Garrison, Mark Garrison, Bruce Goforth and Joyce Goforth
3rd Place — Low Net
Brad Blackburn, Kevin Baxter, William Lewin and David Hart
Straightest Drive — Hole No. 5: Matt Campbell
Longest Drive — Hole No. 11: Phil Blake
Closest to the Pin — Hole No. 17: Bill Wolcott, 11 feet
Tuesday Results:
1st Place — Low Gross
Dean Patterson, Tom Morgan, Derek Weilbaecher and Michael Andry
1st Place — Low Net
Chuck Radford, Rick Eisenberg, Tracey Radford and Rachel Radford
2nd Place — Low Net
Austin Neff, Les Stradley, Tom Gibbs and Ken Murphy
3rd Place — Low Net
John Pierce, Todd Morse, Rick Lutovsky and Tate Groome
Straightest Drive — Hole No. 5: Chris Amys
Longest Drive — Hole No. 11: Rob Sandoval
Closest to the Pin — Hole No. 17: Austin Neff
