Since 2005, The Lake Challenge (TLC) Invitational Golf Tournament has been contested at Reynolds Lake Oconee (RLO), usually in the early Fall. In its 20th year, the tournament founded by Tim O’Leary (now Commissioner Emeritus) is a match-play event similar to a Ryder Cup played over three days at three different RLO courses.
Since its inception, over 100 RLO members have competed in this tournament. John Baird and Tim O'Leary are the only two men to participate in all twenty events.
This year, 40 golfers were invited. The players were split into two teams of twenty players each to achieve equivalent team handicaps. A designated Team Captain leads each team.
Day 1 consisted of eight four-ball matches between two-man teams, day 2 of eight Shamble four-ball matches between two-man teams, and day 3 of 16 singles matches.
This year, the Tournament Committee was led by Captains Rick Thompson (Team Thompson), Al Popp (Team Popp), Rising Captain Mike Fuller, Dinner Host Mark Volker, Shirt Coordinator Steve Gray, Commissioner Emeritus Tim O’Leary, former Commissioner Jim Blankenheim and new Commissioner Mike Reagan.
Team Captains serve two years, one retiring each year and being replaced by the rising captain next year. Colin Meyer, lead assistant golf professional at Oconee, did an outstanding job assisting with scorecards, cart assignments, and scoreboards.
Wes Forrester, director of golf operations and head professional at RLO, and Samantha Lanzarone, golf operations coordinator, orchestrated the seamless schedule of games to ensure all members had an enjoyable tournament.
In addition, they were fortunate to have the services of Brenda Todoroff as a volunteer photographer to capture memories of all event activities.
Terri Millhouse, an RLO event coordinator, helped arrange the Friday night Italian Buffet award dinner at The Lake Club Match pairings, which team captains arranged. This year, the pairings were done by random draw with some minor tweaking by the captains.
The pairing goals were to have all players compete in at least two rounds and not play with the same team member competing against the same players. In addition to the golf competition, there are significant social events for the players.
• Each player receives a custom monogrammed TLC golf shirt. This year, ocean breeze (mint green) shirts were procured through RLO.
• The opening night BBQ dinner, which included pulled pork and brisket from 5Bs, ribs prepared by Mike Croft, grilled onions, mac & cheese, slaw, and baked beans prepared by various committee members, beer, and soda, was hosted at Mark Volker's home.
• Marcos Pizza and beverages after Day 1 matches.
• Putting contest and beverages after Day 2 matches.
• An awards banquet at The Lake Club with spouses on the evening of Day 3 matches.
Results from the Lake Challenge 2024 Tournament
Day 1, September 3, 2024, 4-Ball Matches at the Landing Course
• Team Thompson – 2½ points
• Team Popp – 5½points
Day 2, September 4, 2024, Shamble 4-Ball Matches at Great Waters Course
• Team Thompson – 3 points
• Team Popp – 5 points
Day 3, September 6, 2024, Individual Matches at Oconee Course
• Team Thompson - 9 points
• Team Popp – 7points
Tournament Totals
• Team Thompson – 14½ points
• Team Popp – 17½ points
• Putting Contest Winner – John Kelly
The Lake Challenge 2024 Winning Team – Team Popp
The TLC trophy, which lists all previous winning teams and their members, will inscribe each winning team member's name.