Since 2005, The Lake Challenge (TLC) Invitational Golf Tournament has been contested at Reynolds Lake Oconee (RLO) usually in the early fall. In its 20th year, the tournament founded by Tim O’Leary (now Commissioner Emeritus) is a Ryder Cup like, match play event played over three days at three different RLO courses. Since its inception over 100 RLO members have competed in this tournament. The only two men to participate in all twenty events are John Baird and Tim O’Leary.

This year 40 golfers were invited. The players were split into two teams of twenty players each in such a way to achieve equivalent team handicaps. Each team is led by a designated Team Captain.

Day 1 consisted of eight 4-Ball matches between two-man teams.

Day 2 consisted of eight Shamble 4-Ball matches between two-man teams.

Day 3 included 16 singles matches.

This year, the Tournament Committee was led by captains Rick Thompson (Team Thompson), Al Popp (Team Popp), rising captain Mike Fuller, dinner host Mark Volker, shirt coordinator Steve Gray, Commissioner Emeritus Tim O’Leary, former Commissioner Jim Blankenheim and new Commissioner Mike Reagan.

Team captains serve two years with one retiring each year to be replaced by the rising captain next year. Colin Meyer, lead assistant golf professional at Oconee did an outstanding job assisting us with scorecards, cart assignments and scoreboards. Wes Forrester, director of Golf Operations and head professional at RLO and Samantha Lanzarone, golf operations coordinator orchestrated the seamless schedule of games to ensure all members had an enjoyable tournament. In addition, we were fortunate to have the services of Brenda Todoroff as our volunteer photographer to capture memories of all event activities. Terri Millhouse, RLO event coordinator, helped arrange the Friday night Italian Buffet award dinner at The Lake Club

Match pairings were arranged by team captains. This year, the pairings were done by random draw with some minor tweaking by the captains. The pairing goals were to have all players compete in at least two rounds and not play with the same team member competing against the same players.

In addition to the golf competition, there are significant social events for the players.

—Each player receives a custom monogrammed TLC golf shirt. This year, ocean breeze (mint green) shirts were procured through RLO.

—Opening night dinner BBQ dinner with pulled pork and brisket from 5Bs, ribs prepared by Mike Croft, grilled onions, mac & cheese, slaw and baked beans prepared by various committee members with beer and soda that was hosted at the home of Mark Volker.

—Marcos Pizza and beverages after Day 1 matches

—Putting contest and beverages after Day 2 matches.

—An awards banquet at The Lake Club with spouses on the evening of Day 3 matches.

Results from the Lake Challenge 2024 Tournament

Day 1, September 3, 2024

— 4-Ball Matches at the Landing Course

—Team Thompson – 2 ½ points

—Team Popp – 5 ½ points

Day 2, September 4, 2024

—Shamble 4-Ball Matches at Great Waters Course

—Team Thompson – 3 points

—Team Popp – 5 points

Day 3, September 6, 2024, Individual Matches at Oconee Course

—Team Thompson – 9 points

—Team Popp – 7 points

Tournament Totals

—Team Thompson – 14 ½ points

—Team Popp – 17 ½ points

Putting Contest Winner – John Kelly

The Lake Challenge 2024 Winning Team – Team Popp

Each member of the winning team will have their name inscribed on the TLC trophy that lists all previous winning teams and its members.