In Texas, we love our golf. Thanks to veteran Lone Star pros like Lee Trevino and newcomer superstar Jordan Spieth, playing and watching golf is practically a statewide requirement.
So it should come as no surprise that the renowned Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children hosts the annual KidSwing Golf Tournament to help raise funds for patient care.
Like everything else at TSRHC, this golf tournament is focused completely on children. As patient Colin Ashlock says, “It’s for kids, run by kids. We just want everyone to come out and have fun.”
And fun it is! Hundreds of children, ages 5 through 15, come together from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area for golf and games to support the hospital. Patients and non-patients alike play together in a 9-hole, best-ball scramble.
There is no tournament fee, but every player is encouraged to raise at least $100 per tournament for Texas Scottish Rite by asking their friends, family and community members to sponsor them. Some children write letters or visit their favorite local businesses, and many participants far exceed the suggested donation amount.
The KidSwing tournament was founded in 2003 by former patient Ben Sater when he was just 10 years old as a way to give back to the hospital and involve other children in community fundraising. The first KidSwing at Brookhaven Country Club was a tremendous success, raising $20,000.
Now entering its 13th year, KidSwing has grown to include two more tournaments in McKinney and Trophy Club and has raised more than $1.7 million for the hospital.
KidSwing also is adding a new event aimed at teenagers. The Scottish Rite Shootout will be held at TopGolf Dallas on July 21 for young adults ages 16 to 18. Featuring a tournament, prizes, and a dinner and awards program, every foursome is asked to raise a minimum of $300.
This year, the young members of the KidSwing Junior Committee have decided to use the proceeds to donate Bebionic hands. These incredibly advanced and versatile myoelectric prosthetic hands will help transform patients’ lives, and the KidSwing participants are hard at work fundraising in support of this considerable goal.
As much fun as the golf tournaments are, the desire to give back is at the heart of KidSwing. This tournament is about more than just raising money for patient care; it’s about children learning how to help others and giving children back their childhood.
KidSwing Dallas
Monday, June 8
Brookhaven Country Club
KidSwing McKinney
Tuesday, June 16
Stone Ridge Ranch Country Club
KidSwing Trophy Club
Monday, July 13
Trophy Club Country Club
Scottish Rite Shootout
Tuesday, July 21
TopGolf Dallas
To register or learn more, please visit kidswing.org.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has been caring for children since 1921. TSRHC treats children with orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand disorders, hip disorders and limb length differences, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Please visit us a scottishritehospital.org, Facebook.org/tsrhc or Twitter.com/tsrhc, or call 214-559-5000 for additional information.
