FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A sold-out field of 120 golfers raised $56,718 for Baldwin County public schools at the 14th Annual Baldwin County Education Coalition Golf Classic, pushing the tournament’s 14-year total past $400,000 for local education.
The Sept. 10 tournament at Rock Creek Golf Club brought together 36 teams for an afternoon of competition, networking and fundraising. Hosted in partnership with Baldwin County Sewer Service, the Golf Classic has now generated $407,136 in net proceeds for public education since it began.
How the tournament began
Baldwin County Sewer Service launched the tournament 14 years ago and chose the Baldwin County Education Coalition as its beneficiary because the Coalition serves students and educators throughout the county. The utility has remained the event’s longstanding presenting sponsor.
Over the years, the Golf Classic has grown into the Coalition’s largest fundraising event and one of Baldwin County’s premier golf tournaments, drawing support from local businesses, organizations and individuals who see it as a way to invest in schools.
A day on the course
Players started the day with lunch before a 1 p.m. shotgun start, with teams spread across Rock Creek’s layout so that every group teed off at once. The afternoon included complimentary beverages and cigars, on-course contests, door prizes and plenty of friendly competition. The day wrapped up with dinner, an awards presentation and recognition of the top teams and individual winners.
2026 Golf Classic winners
- First place: Underground, Inc.
- Second place: Identity Signs
- Third place: BCSS Team III – Mayor Teal
- Fourth place: SA Recycling
- Longest Drive: Judah Tally, BCSS Team III
- Closest to the Pin: Jesse Greer
A roll of the dice — and a bourbon giveaway
The competition also gave two teams a chance to turn a strong round into a cash prize. Players from Quincy Compressor and BCSS Team II, the day’s two highest-scoring teams, earned a shot at a $2,500 prize through the Golf Classic’s Dice Roll. Two players from each team took their turn, but the prize went unclaimed this year.
The Golf Classic Blanton’s Giveaway added another prize to the day. Participants were entered for a chance to win a complete eight-bottle set of Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon, and Jordan Ammons of Dewberry was selected as this year’s winner.
Where the money goes
While the tournament gave golfers plenty of reasons to keep score, the Coalition emphasizes that its real impact is felt in classrooms. Proceeds support the Coalition’s efforts to address educational needs where public funding falls short, and the $407,136 raised over 14 years has helped it invest in programs and initiatives that strengthen public education and create opportunities for students and educators across the county.
The Baldwin County Education Coalition, established in 2010, describes its mission as investing in public education by bridging gaps, empowering educators and promoting student success through community engagement, advocacy and strategic partnerships. According to the Coalition, it serves roughly 50 public schools in Baldwin County and supports more than 5,000 students and 850 educators each year, and it has invested more than $4.1 million in public education since its founding.
The Coalition’s work includes:
- Scholarships: The Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship, which encourages students to pursue careers in education, and the JLS International Vocational Scholarship, supported by an endowment the Coalition reports at more than $1 million. The Coalition says it has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships in all.
- The Palm Project: An effort that stocks school care closets with essential items for students in need; the Coalition reports distributing more than 59,400 items.
- Educator support: Teacher professional development, recognition programs and the Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference.
- Community events: The Evening of Education Champions, a Teacher of the Year event, the Charity Chukkers polo event and the annual Golf Classic.
In a statement on its website, the Coalition said the tournament’s continued support allows it to “bring together resources from across our community and put them to work for Baldwin County public schools.”
Sponsors, players and volunteers recognized
The Coalition credited the tournament’s continued success to Baldwin County Sewer Service, its longstanding presenting sponsor, along with corporate, luncheon, dinner, beverage, team and tee sponsors. It also thanked the 120 players, volunteers, community partners and Rock Creek Golf Club for their roles in the 2026 event.
Charity golf tournaments have become a mainstay of nonprofit fundraising in Baldwin County, where a strong collection of courses and an active business community make them a natural fit. The Golf Classic’s sold-out field and 14-year run place it among the county’s most established.
About Rock Creek Golf Club
Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope is one of the Eastern Shore’s well-known courses and also home to an active junior golf instruction program. This year it hosted the Golf Classic’s full-day format, from lunch through the shotgun start to the evening awards dinner.
Looking ahead to 2027
The Coalition plans to return to the greens for the 2027 Golf Classic. Businesses interested in sponsorship, golfers who want to secure a team spot in what has become a sold-out event, and residents who want to support public schools in other ways can contact the Baldwin County Education Coalition for information on upcoming events and giving opportunities.