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Proceeds from the 11 tournaments now exceed approximately $1.35 million for the Titans Foundation, which was established in 1999 by team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr., and his late wife, Nancy.
"This event is always our biggest fundraiser of the year, and this year was nothing short of exceptional," said Don MacLachlan, executive vice president of Administration and Facilities for the Titans. "I want to thank the players and all of our staff, but most importantly, all of those people that paid to play, because all of the money raised goes back to help the various Titans Foundation programs."
Several Titans players and coaches played in the tournament, which was organized by the Titans' community relations department and heavily supported by players, coaches, cheerleaders, staff and volunteers.
Current and former players, coaches and staff taking part included: Ken Amato, Earnest Byner, Chuck Cecil, Kerry Collins, Casey Cramer, Kevin Dyson, Cortland Finnegan, Ryan Fowler, Justin Gage, Michael Griffin, Ahmard Hall, Nick Harper, Jovan Haye, Mike Heimerdinger, Chris Hope, Mark Jones, Mike Keith, Alan Lowry, Donnie Nickey, Patrick Ramsey, Marcus Robertson, Michael Roos, Josh Stamer, David Thornton, Stephen Tulloch, Kevin Vickerson, Cary Williams and Frank Wycheck.
Craig Hentrich, normally the team's best golfer, was on vacation, giving several of his teammates a chance to steal the limelight. Cornerback Nick Harper, a solid golfer in his own right, said he would be noticed on the course.
"I might be playing the worst in the group, but you're going to know I'm out there," he joked with reporters prior to the shotgun start. "Trust me, I am the biggest trash-talker out there."
Outside of Hentrich, head coach Jeff Fisher had his own opinions on who the best golfers are on the team. "I know Craig plays well, Kerry (Collins) plays well, Patrick (Ramsey) plays well. Nick Harper plays very well. Those are probably the four top guys."
After Hentrich, Collins called Ramsey the team's next best golfer.
"Patrick is a better golfer than me. He gives me two strokes a side and it's usually a pretty even match," Collins said. "I would say the next best golfer past Craig is Patrick."
When asked who was better – Collins or Ramsey – offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger didn't hesitate: "Patrick is more consistent. Kerry is great around the greens and has a good game, but Patrick hits it long and far. When he's putting, he beats Kerry pretty good. But actually the best player out here is Earnest Byner (running backs coach). It would be a good match between Earnest and Pat, and Pat would have to play really good to beat Earnest."
When asked who the team's worst golfer is, Collins said, "There would be a lot of people in the running. There are some guys who don't play often. I would like to see some of the linemen play. I think that would be pretty funny."
Golfers enjoyed brunch inside the luxurious clubhouse before teeing off at 11 a.m.. Teams consisting of one Titans celebrity (player, former player or coach) and cheerleader joined a foursome in a best ball format.
Fisher said the Titans Charity Golf Classic is an event the entire organization looks forward to each year.
"This is all for a great cause," said Fisher, who stayed on Hole 13 all afternoon to be in photos with each participating team. "We appreciate Hillwood Country Club giving us an opportunity to come out. There are a lot of players here and a lot of our staff is out. It's great to see everyone having a good time, while raising money for those in need."
Dr. Kemp, a long-time supporter of the event, was happy to be a part of another successful fundraiser for the Titans Foundation.
"This is a wonderful event and we just have a great time participating in it every year," said Dr. Kemp. "The Titans' organization does an outstanding job and makes it an enjoyable experience for everyone. It means a lot to be able to participate in this. The Titans Foundation is a worthwhile foundation and I'm just delighted to be in this community and to be able to participate."
The day included three skills competitions and prizes, and trophies were presented to winners in the following categories:
Straightest Drive Contest: Rick Gernert (Hillwood)
Longest Drive Contest: Patrick Ramsey (Titans quarterback)
Closest-to-the-Hole Contest: Jimmy Granberry (Saint Thomas Health Services)
Golfers also tried their luck at various contests with a chance to win a 2009 Cadillac CTS provided by Andrews Cadillac and the Titans Foundation, a 5-day/4-night golf vacation to a Fairmont Resort, or a Tour Academy Package for two, including three days of instruction and daily golf.
As play wrapped up by late afternoon, golfers were treated to a prime rib dinner. A silent and live auction featuring autographed player items, trip packages and fantasy experiences raised additional funds for the Titans Foundation.
By day's end, event organizers reflected on the great benefits the Titans Foundation received from yet another successful tournament. Since the team relocated to Tennessee in 1997, combined charitable gifts from Adams, the Titans Foundation and NFL Charities exceed $15 million. The foundation continues to offer financial support and other resources to non-profit organizations throughout Tennessee.
"It's really fulfilling to see all of these people come out here and have a great day and know that Mr. Adams and the Titans Foundation will be able to help others as a result of an outstanding effort by so many generous people," MacLachlan added. "It was another fantastic setting on a wonderful day at Hillwood Country Club."
CELEBRITY VIP EVENT SPONSORS: Coca-Cola, AT&T, LP Building Products, Saint Thomas Health Services, Wortham
CELEBRITY VIP TEAM/HOLE SPONSOR: AT&T, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville, Saint Thomas Healthcare Systems, John L. Wortham & Son
CELEBRITY TEAMS: Capitol Records, Chartwell Hospitality, Emery Properties, Fore the Titans, Hillwood Country Club, Kemp Orthodontics, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Mississippi Orthopedics/DeRoyal, Nashville Machine, Waller Landsden Dortch & Davis
