Steve Welch Fall Classic keeps giving in golfer's name

ASHEBORO — There are many ways to honor someone who meant so much to the golfing community when he passes away. One is to have an annual golf tournament in his name. And when the proceeds for that golf tournament are donated to area charities, that tournament takes on an even greater meaning.

Like the man this tournament was named for, the Steve Welch Fall Classic is special. The two-day event, which is celebrating its 15th year, is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Asheboro Municipal Golf Course. The cost is $75 and there still may be spaces available; stop by the AMGC to register.

The tournament is in memory of Welch, a longtime golf pro at AMGC, who spent long hours not only at the AMGC, but he was one of the leaders of the annual Asheboro City Amateur, one of the highest-profile local golf tournaments that continues to thrive.

He went to work at the AMGC in 1964 and worked as an assistant pro under Thorne Wood until 1970 when he was named head golf pro. He stayed there until he retired in 2003.

“When dad passed away in September of 2009, it was within a week when some of the guys talked about wanting to have a memorial golf tournament,” said Chuck Welch, the son of Steve and a local standout golfer himself. “I was grieving and I thought it was a bit quick, but people missed him and wanted to put something together as quickly as possible.”

Behind the efforts of a number of people, including Lee Ward, the first Steve Welch Fall Classic was held in October of 2009.

The stroke play tournament, which is divided into Flights on the second day and includes a Senior Division, donates the proceeds to area charities. This year, the tournament will benefit Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and Table of Grace.

Chuck Welch and Ward continued the event until Ward passed away, and that’s when Chuck took over the planning and sponsorship.

“I took it over and kept it going and we wanted to do something to not only honor dad’s memory, but help our community in his name.”

The Steve Welch Fall Classic has benefited many charities in the area, including Hospice, the Family Crisis Center and the Senior Adult Association. With the money one year, the senior adult center purchased a dozen lounge chairs for a sitting area that the residents used instantly.

Welch said he, his mother and his wife would spend time determining which charity would benefit each year. 

“We want to do some of the more local charities who may not get as much funds as bigger ones,” Welch said. “It feels great to be able to help. Especially when they don’t know about it and I go there to present them with a check. Nothing makes me happier.”

Of course, a tournament of this magnitude relies on countless people to succeed. The sponsors and golfers are the key to having a successful event. Hop’s Bar-B-Q has provided lunch and Carl Byrd of Byrd’s BP has purchased the Steve Welch Fall Classic hats participants receive each year. 

The tournament averages between 45-55 golfers per year and through the first 14 events, a total of $69,380 has been donated to local charities. There will be contests throughout the tournament, including a Lee Ward Putting Contest and closest to the pin winners.

Of the dozens and dozens of local golf tournaments held annually, some mean just a little more. The Steve Welch Fall Classic is certainly one of them.