Postponed golf tournament raises big bucks for the United Fund of Surry

Organizers of the Greater Granite Open took the mulligan after a rainy forecast caused the event benefiting the United Fund of Surry to be pushed back a week.

Undeterred, the event was held last week at Cross Creek Country Club in Mount Airy and those in the know said it was a success.

The charity golf tournament raised more than $40,000 for the United Fund of Surry and saw a record turnout of participants and supporters at the event benefiting local nonprofits and families in need throughout the county.

“The tournament not only raised critical funding but also increased awareness for the United Fund of Surry’s mission to support the community,” the group said in a statement.

The United Fund of Surry supports 26 member agencies throughout the community and surrounding area, addressing many needs including emergency and crisis services, family and youth services, seniors, medical care and food banks. In reports from recent years, United Fund of Surry agencies aided 30,000 residents of Surry County with some residents benefiting from services of more than one of their member organizations.

“Moving the tournament to the summer helped us add more teams this year, which brought in more funds to help those in need,” said United Fund of Surry Executive Director Melissa Hiatt. “We’re incredibly thankful to our sponsors, players, and volunteers who made this event possible.”

The decision to move the tournament from its traditional timing proved successful, with organizers reporting increased participation compared to previous years. The change allowed more teams to participate and ultimately contributed to the record-breaking fundraising total.

The winning foursome included Todd Smith, Jon Cawley, Brad Roberson, and Brian Moser, who competed against numerous teams throughout the day.

Multiple winners emerged from the 50-50 drawings held during the event. Tyler Payne, Dale McKnight, Jimmy George, Matt Harris, and JP Couch each won prizes in the popular fundraising component of the tournament.

Skill contests added competitive elements to the charitable event. Doug Cook, Jon Cawley, and Lydia Randell claimed victories in the longest drive competition, while Russell Danley, Brad Roberson, and Sara Barlett won the closest to the pin contest.

The tournament faced weather challenges when it was originally scheduled for May 31 but was delayed due to rain. With a strong threat of rain on the day of the event, after some wet days in the week leading to the original date, organizers made the “tough call” to postpone the fundraising event one week to June 6. Despite the setback, the community rallied around the rescheduled event.

“I would like to express my gratitude to our community for supporting us through the rain delay,” Hiatt said. “We even ended up with more teams involved.”

The United Fund of Surry officials expressed heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, and participants who contributed to making the 2025 Greater Granite Open a success.