The 27th edition of the Edwin B. Hales Bulldog Bench Golf Classic teed off late last month on a beautiful spring day at the Redlands Country Club, raising funds for the University of Redlands student-athlete experience.  With a crowd of 117 golfers, the tournament involved community members, business representatives, alumni, and friends of the Bulldogs in a fun-filled effort that netted more than $38,000 for the general athletics fund.

Overall, the event relies on the generous support of consistent and loyal corporate sponsors that supplied more than $22,000 in straight donations.  These significant supporters included Tilden-Coil Constructors, Hardy Insurance & Risk Management, Brian R. Bloom - Architect, Couts Heating & Cooling, Lee & Associates, Tovey/Shultz Construction, Redlands Ford, Baker's Drive-Thru, Beaver Medical Group, Bon Appétit, and Provident Bank Mortgage.  New companies to join the sponsorship ranks as a result of direct student-athlete connections include Vincent Financial Services and Leon's BBQ Sauce.

Beyond corporate sponsorships and golfer fees, Redlands collected income from an opportunity drawing, the Las Vegas hole, mulligans, and more. 

Prior to teeing off at the Redlands Country Club, participants enjoyed an entertaining and informative clinic with Bulldog Hall of Famer Ron Stockton, who shared his expertise and answered multiple questions from the crowd.

During the evening program, golfers learned more about the Bulldog student-athlete experience through a speaker and video presentation, supported the live auction, and picked up their door prizes and awards.

Next year's Edwin B. Hales Bulldog Bench Golf Classic is slated for May 22, 2017, at the Redlands Country Club.

To view photos from this year's event, please visit the 2016 photo album.

To join the Bulldog Bench or to learn more, please visit the Bulldog Bench home page.