Through Golf, Henley Helps Raise Money for Charities

Nearly 400 golfers took part in this year’s Five Star Kevin Brown Russell Henley Celebrity Classic within the Macon, Georgia area for two days, raising more than $1.1 million.

Sponsored by Synovus, the annual event took place on September 18-19 across four courses for the first time in the golf portion’s 35-year history. Participants embarked on River North Country Club, Brickyard Golf Club, The Landings Golf Club and River Forest Golf Club, all within the Macon area. 

According to its website, the event raises money for Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia, the Macon Volunteer Clinic and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"The Five Star Celebrity Classic in Macon is one of my personal highlights every year,” says Henley, a Synovus brand ambassador and four-time winner on the PGA Tour. “The participation and collaborative effort to give back and support multiple charities is what makes it so rewarding for me and my family.”

When the golf commenced, hosts Brown and Henley greeted foursomes on River North Country Club’s 10th tee and took photos. Henley, the PGA Tour’s drive accuracy leader this past season, also demonstrated his skills by hitting first shots. 

“I’m honored to play a small part in the event and look forward to many more years to come,” adds Henley, who joined the event in 2015.

As a planned lead-up to the main golf event on September 19, Taylor Dayne first entertained supporters at the historic Grand Opera House on September 17 and a clay shoot at the Meadows Gun Club and Shooting School, as well as an auction dinner at the Idle Hour Golf & Country Club, took place on September 18.

The beginning of the event dates to 1989, when former professional tennis player Jaime Kaplan developed the Five Star Celebrity Classic. However, it started as a three-day tennis pro-celebrity tournament and featured a who’s who of celebrities and athletes – namely, Hank Aaron, Franco Harris, Shirley Hemphill, Tony O’Dell and Lyle Waggoner – taking in more than $23,000. 

Since then, more than $13 million has been raised for charities in middle Georgia. By surpassing $1 million recently, the event has eclipsed the $1 million level for nine consecutive years. 

In 1992, when golf was added Brown already had the first six seasons of a 19-year Major League Baseball career under his belt. A Macon native, Brown started playing in the tournament and became more involved, with his name eventually added to the marquee. 

“This really is a great charity,” Brown told 41 WMGT TV in 2013. “I invite people to go online, look up the rescue mission and get some information about what they’re doing. If you’ve got any time or resources that you want to donate, they’re always looking for help.”