Judson golf tournament held

Published 8:52 pm Wednesday, May 11, 2011

MARION — Some 30 Alabama Baptist ministers from throughout the state gathered in Marion May 9-10 for Judson College’s 49th annual Ministers Golf Tournament. The tournament was played on the golf course of Marion Military Institute.

“The greens were marvelous, the weather was beautiful and the food and fellowship were great,” said golf committee chair David Byrd, pastor of the Northside Baptist Church in Jasper.

“I’ve been attending since 1988, and I’ve never seen the course looking better. It was a great two days.”

Email newsletter signup

Byrd said the annual tournament is a time for ministers to relax and enjoy one another’s company, plus they get to learn more about what Judson offers for the young ladies in their churches.

Our numbers were down a bit this year,” Byrd said. “I know that several of our regular attendees were doing disaster relief this week with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. There have been so many tragedies in recent weeks.”

The ministers played on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, and enjoyed their customary banquet on Monday night.

Overall winners of the tournament were honored at the concluding luncheon on Tuesday.

Bradley Rushing, pastor of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Dothan, won first place. Retired Alabama pastor Charles Davis, now living in Toomsuba, Miss., won second and Byrd placed third. Rushing said this year’s tournament was his second to attend and that he’d not played golf in about six months.

“I surprised myself and did much better than I thought I’d do,” he said.

“It was a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some fellowship with other pastors.”

Judson president Dr. David Potts awarded prizes at the concluding luncheon.

“It’s good for these men to get away for a day or two and to play a sport they enjoy,” Potts said.

“We’re happy to host this tournament and we appreciate what these ministers do for our institution and for God’s kingdom in Alabama.”

Byrd said next year’s 50th annual event on May 14-15 would be a unique time of commemoration and celebration.