Story by Tierra Reese, Staff writer

The bright green fields at Murray Golf Course set the scene for an annual charity golf tournament with a hit in a four man scramble consisting of 60 players.

Murray and Calloway County NeedLine, a non-profit social resource center, hosts an annual golf tournament every year to raise money for people in less fortunate situations. About $7,300 was raised this year from private donations from organizations such as United Way, Salvation Army, Lowes and many more.

This high profit will go mainly toward their “Backpack Program” right before the holidays and the rest toward the working poor in need. The Backpack Program provides about 680 children with food boxes and hygienic needs.

With 15 teams of four in the tournament, Joe Bolin, Gary Haverstock, Bill Davis and Mike Holton won first place with a score of 51. In second place, a score of 53 with Mark Whitaker, Heath Scott, Jason Howell and Scott Foster being the runners up.

There are more than eighty sponsors, some being churches, for this event with each donating $50 to NeedLine. With their help, NeedLine can help support 240 people with food and a means of transportation once a month.

Racers Helping Racers, another branch of their services, provides Murray State students with food and care packaging donations.

NeedLine’s annual charity golf tournament started more than nine years ago with far less involvement. She said, as the years have gone by, they have had a more successful tournament.

Mona Bolin, NeedLine Board member, said, “[The golf tournament was] A lot of fun while being the main fundraiser for the year.”

Murray State Alumni Avery Mayweather consistently attends this event and encourages others to attend as well.

Kathy Kopperud, a NeedLine board member, said she is  thankful for the local support that Murray State students often provide each year for the tournament. Kopperud said that NeedLine is always looking for students to intern or volunteer with their organization.

Kelly Doran, a NeedLine board member, said last year, Murray State students could donate their remaining flex dollars to their organization. Doran and the rest of the board members appreciated those donations and hope to have that continue for this year as well.