Inaugural Cliff Bennett Memorial Golf Tournament benefits FHU golf team
BRENTWOOD, Tennessee — (July 8, 2025) — The Cliff Bennett Memorial Golf Tournament raised approximately $10,000 for the Freed-Hardeman University golf team, according to FHU golf coach Randall Rhodes. The fundraiser took place Monday, June 9, 2025, at Brentwood Country Club and was named in recognition of the late Cliff Bennett, who worked at FHU for more than 40 years, including as golf coach.
Members of the Bennett family pose with FHU Athletic Director Jonathan Estes (right) during the Inaugural Cliff Bennett Memorial Golf Tournament held Monday, June 9, 2025, at Brentwood Country Club.
“Having the opportunity to recognize Cliff, who had such a positive impact on FHU and the history of the golf program, was absolutely perfect for our inaugural fundraiser in the Nashville area. We estimate that roughly 25% of those who participated were impacted by Cliff, either as a player or as a student,” Rhodes said.
“These funds will significantly help our golf program,” FHU Athletic Director Jonathan Estes said.
Bennett served in a variety of roles at FHU: teacher, counselor, dean of men, dean of students, vice president of student services and—likely his favorite job—golf coach, a post he held from 1991-1997.
Bennett enjoyed golf—whether he was playing the new course at St. Andrews or Sculley’s in Jackson, Tennessee. He delighted in the game, and he appreciated the opportunity to work with the team.
“Coach Bennett was always an encourager,” former Lion golfer Joe Covington said at the dinner following the event. Covington, who lives in Nashville, was a member of the FHU golf team for four years, 1995-99.
“Of course, he loved that job,” Bennett’s wife, Nancy, said. “For a few hours, on a regular basis, he traded his desk in an office for the greens. It was always an excused absence and he called it work!”
Although this was the first tournament benefitting the FHU golf team in the Nashville area, plans are underway to make this an annual event. Next year’s tournament is planned for early June.
FHU offers the following sports: basketball, cross country, track and field, golf, soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, volleyball, Esports and cheerleading. The university is a member of the NAIA and the Mid-South Athletic Conference.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
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