PLEASANT LAKE, MI – Golfers suited up in their warmest clothes and grabbed their bowls of chili as they played a round of snow-filled golf.
The annual Kiwanis Chili Golf Classic, now in its 40th year, has a history of golfers attending the charitable event year after year.
Even on Saturday, Jan. 31, with temperatures reaching no higher than 14 degrees throughout the event, there were 135 golfers registered.
Jake Johnson, the president of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson, explained how the event continues to bring the community together.
“It’s really just about camaraderie. It’s about giving back in the community. People have been coming here for the last 40 years in a row. Every single year we have some new teams, but I would say 90% of our registrations come from basically repeat customers, which is fantastic,” he said.
Joe Collins, a Jackson resident, takes his shot during the 40th annual Kiwanis Chili Golf Classic held at Hankerd Hills Golf Course in Pleasant Lake on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.Lukas Katilius | MLive.com
Golfers are given a yellow field hockey “mylec ball” to use as they make their way around Hankerd Hills Golf Course. The balls are larger, lighter and softer than golf balls to make for an easier time hitting them in the snow.
Instead of making the ball into a hole as in traditional golf, golfers aim for two rings surrounding a flag. The smallest ring is worth one stroke, while the wider ring is worth two.
Women part of the Girl Gang of America make their way to their first hole of the day during the 40th annual Kiwanis Chili Golf Classic held at Hankerd Hills Golf Course in Pleasant Lake on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.Lukas Katilius | MLive.com
Every group of golfers pulled large sleds which held their clubs, balls, beverages and other customized features varying in character and purpose for each group.
Girl Gang of America, a group of golfers brought together through a Facebook group of the same name which helps women find new friends in the area, was last year’s winners of the best-decorated sled.
Their vibrantly pink sled and matching flamingo outfits were hard to miss, and undeniably fun.
Women part of Girl Gang of America pose for a photo during the 40th annual Kiwanis Chili Golf Classic held at Hankerd Hills Golf Course in Pleasant Lake on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.Lukas Katilius | MLive.com
“You know, [Kiwanis Club of Jackson does] a great job,” said Elizabeth Ray, a group administrator. “They do wonderful things for the community and the children in the community. And I said, ‘Hey, Girl Gang, let’s get together and do a sled and golf.’ I mean, it’s the best thing out here in the cold, so we just got together (and) made our sled.”
With all the funds going to a good cause, it’s an easy event for friends to gather and participate in.
The Kiwanis Club of Jackson has contributed to children in need for more than a century. This year’s Chili Golf Classic, which is historically one of their biggest fundraisers each year, is expected to generate over $15,000.
This money is raised largely from the dozens of sponsors who help make the event possible — especially Wendy’s, which is a large donor and supplies the chili every year.
With the event’s status as a local favorite, the charity is likely to continue for as long as Kiwanis can host it.
A bowl of chili is poured during the 40th annual Kiwanis Chili Golf Classic held at Hankerd Hills Golf Course in Pleasant Lake on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.Lukas Katilius | MLive.com
“You’re coming out in the snow, it’s beautiful out here, and then you come in and warm up with some chili and brats,” Johnson said.
“Who wouldn’t want to come out and golf in the snow? It’s absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.”
Those who would like to donate to the Kiwanis Club of Jackson can do so on their website here.