TOP PHOTO: Bobby Vann, Country Club Board chairman (left), and the man the Bobby Heatherly Classic is named after on the right are shown a few minutes before the inaugural classic in 2019.  They were waiting for a ball so Heatherly could tee off.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The fourth annual Bobby Heatherly Golf Classic tees off around 8am Saturday at the La Follette Country Club. “This has become our traditional tournament season opener for the year, all the while honoring Bobby,” said Josh Vann, the club’s general manager. Related story is HERE from 2021.

The classic is named in honor of Heatherly, the man who invested 36 years on the hill that’s home to the beautiful nine-hole course. “All the years he worked here and all the hours and self sacrifice he made, this is the least we can do,” said Vann.

It’s a two-person scramble covering Saturday and Sunday. The first classic grew from 18 teams to 25 the second year, and last year, there were 42 teams. “It’s $200 a team, and we’ll have closest to the pin prizes on par threes plus we’ll be grilling sirloin burgers for the players throughout the day as they play on Saturday,” said Vann.  Country Club memberships are available, and weekend rate green fees are $35 for 18 holes and $20 for nine.

 It was classic Bobby Heatherly as he prepped to hit the first tee shot at the inaugural Bobby Heatherly Open Golf Tournament on Sat., May 18, 2019, at the La Follette Country Club. “It’s 10:35.  Let’s get this going.  Allison (his daughter), get that Titleist (golf ball) off the desk. This may be the last time you see this swing. That ain’t bad (after his shot). I’ve got to have that ball.”

Vann says teams can still sign up by calling 423.562.9130 or by stopping by the pro shop.

Even though this is Vann’s third year as general manager, he has been around the club since he was six years old. “It’s one of those dreams, operating a golf course, that I had coming up through school,” said Vann.

Father and son fun for Riley Hunley (right) and his father Rick at last year’s Heatherly Classic.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/19/2022-6AM)

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