Full field of 108 teams ready for Claude Akins Memorial Classic Labor Day weekend
They play to win, they play for fun. They cheer long putts and groan over missed greens. For serious golfers and casual duffers, Labor Day weekend wouldn't be complete without the Claude Akins Memorial Classic.
The annual tournament that gives away a trove of prizes while raising money for local park improvements, youth nonprofits and scholarships will take over Bedford's Otis Park Sept. 3-4. The field is set for 108 teams (648 golfers) spread across four rounds.
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Bedford Recreation Foundation President Tom Elliott and tournament Director Joey Elliott said the 2022 Akins field filled up earlier than any in recent memory and they have a wait list of teams hoping to get a spot if a team cancels.
The Elliotts said keeping the tournament fun and fresh with new contests has always been the goal.
"From the beginning, the idea was we build it up to be the best tournament we can make for people to enjoy and want to come back every year," Tom said.
Drawings for prizes, dozens of hole prizes and various contests give players multiple chances to take home a nice gift. Prizes include gift cards, merchandise and rounds of golf. One of the premium prizes is the Try for Dye. The winner will receive a round of golf for four people at the Pete Dye Course in French Lick. Another prize is a round of golf at the Indiana University Golf Course. Hobson Automotive is sponsoring a hole-in-one prize on No. 18; the winner and BRF will each receive $5,000.
Scoring for teams is determined in gross and net divisions.
"We try to offer as many opportunities as we can because not everyone is a skilled golfer," Tom said.
The 2021 Akins raised nearly $50,000.
"We think we'll exceed that this year," Joey said.
Park improvements
The proceeds are spread throughout city parks in the Bedford Parks Department as well as the Boys & Girls Club and Lawrence County Aquatics. This spring when flooding in Otis Park damaged the road surface of the bridge by No. 12, BRF paid for repairs.
Tom said BRF is planning to contribute to other projects at city parks, one of them being expanding the practice area near the Flick Center at Otis.
The improvements wouldn't be possible without the continued support of players, donors and sponsors.
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"We always appreciate their contributions because that enables us to fund these projects," Tom said.
The tournament is named for Bedford native Claude Akins, who had a long career acting on stage, screen and television. He was best known for his role as Sheriff Lobo in "BJ and the Bear." During the early days of the tournament, Akins played in the tournament. He died in 1994 and the tournament has continued in his memory.
Highlight of the summer
For players like Tim Deckard, who plays on a team with his brother Curt and close friends, the Akins is one of the highlights of summer.
"It's a long day with a six-man scramble, but you're amongst your very best friends on what is normally a beautiful summer day. They have great prizes, the food is excellent and the volunteers make it a positive day all the way around," Deckard said. "I can't say enough about the Akins. The Elliotts and the Bedford Recreation Foundation make it a special day for all of us."
Deckard also knows well the impact of the Akins on city parks. He serves as president of the Bedford Park Board.
"The proceeds from the tournament have enabled us to upgrade the playgrounds and shelter houses that either wouldn't have happened or not to the extent they did without the Bedford Recreation Foundation," Deckard said.
Former Bedford North Lawrence and Indiana University basketball great Damon Bailey has rarely missed a year playing in the Akins. This weekend, he will play all four rounds — something he's done before but not for the past 10 years.
"I'm looking forward to it, I just hope I can survive," he said with a laugh.
Bailey said he doesn't play as much golf as he used to but when son Brayton suggested they play all four rounds together, Bailey couldn't refuse.
The pair will play with a mixture of family and friends over the two days and that, Bailey said, is what makes the Akins special.
"Everybody looks forward to this, a lot of people come in from out of town for it," Bailey said. Tommy, Joey and the Bedford Recreation Foundation have done a great job and it's definitely for a great cause. What the Bedford Recreation Foundation does is a great thing and they support a lot of things in the community. I've always tried to support it as much as a possible as a patron sponsor by playing in it."
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The tournament's staying power is owed to the efforts of the many volunteers who help put on the tournament.
Euretta Griggs has volunteered on a hole at least 20 years and also played on a team. She will miss it this year to attend a family wedding.
"It's just a fun time and you meet so many people," she said.
Griggs' usual job is on No. 1, where teams try to make a putt that lets them move to a closer tee box.
"I joke with them and encourage them," she said. "I'm going to miss seeing my friends, but I'll be back next year."
This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Full field of 108 teams ready for Claude Akins Memorial Classic Labor Day weekend
