Under clear September skies, Cord of Three Counseling Services (CO3) celebrated its 18th annual “Fore the Family” golf tournament at Lakeview Golf Course.
More than 100 golfers, volunteers and staffers gathered for a day of friendly competition, laughter and heartfelt giving, all to help families navigating life’s deepest challenges. Cord of 3’s theme for this year was “Passing the Baton,” meaning a sacred call to hand down the baton of faith to the next generation so that the light of Christ endures through every family.
Organizers say the tournament was not just a game but a powerful testament to preserving the God ordained institution of the family. As a Christian ministry to families, CO3 exists to bring hope and emotional healing to families dealing with brokenness. Our counselors, rooted in scripture and trained in excellence, guide families through the storms of anxiety, marital strife, abuse, addiction and grief. We replace lies with God’s truth, helping clients step into their identity in Christ. Every swing on the course that day fueled this mission, transforming swings into seeds of restoration for broken homes across Southeast Georgia and beyond.
All of the teams in this 4-man scramble played their best. This year’s top winners included: ▪ First Place Gross: Ellis McNeal, Greg Higginson, Shawn Ray Howell and Walt Kennerly.
▪ FirstPlaceNet: JoeStewart,Marshall Edgy, Trampus Edgy and Tyler Pearson.
▪ Second Place Net: Asher Dean, Tyler Vaughn, Hardt Strickland and Justin Smith.
▪ Third Place Net: Chris Gonzales, Jim Stapleton, Sammy Story and Brian Hickox.
What set these champions apart was the choice to pass the baton forward. Three of these teams were moved by the day’s theme and chose to donate their full winnings back to Cord of Three. In a world quick to hold onto things, they chose to give, modeling Christ’s call to lay down our lives for one another. Their generosity will directly support counseling sessions for families on the brink, ensuring no one walks alone in their pain.
“You guys do such a great tournament,” said one participant. “It always runs smoothly and it is good to be a part of helping families.”
Those words echoed the gratitude swelling in CO3 Executive Director Clay Gill’s heart as a reminder that every fairway traversed helped build bridges of healing.
“For our faithful partners whose financial gifts make this possible, know this: your investment echoes into the hearts of the families we serve. We also want to thank Thrift Brothers and an anonymous donor for being our key sponsors of this event. The money raised from this year’s tournament will equip Cord of 3 to reach even more families in 2026,” said Gill. “In honoring Jesus, the true anchor of our hope, we see lives renewed. Parents rediscover joy in raising children who know His love. Spouses forgive and flourish. Children learn resilience wrapped in grace.
“As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Events like Fore the Family are modern parables of that truth. They rally us to run our race well, passing the baton not with fanfare, but with faithful hands. Together, we are weaving a legacy where faith outlives us all.”
CO3 is a faith based counseling ministry dedicated to protecting and preserving the emotional and spiritual health of the family. For more on how you can join this vital work, visit cordofthreecounseling. org or contact us at 912-282-0992.
Rew Rozier won a rod and reel for longest drive and a rifle for the putting contest, both courtesy of Jot’em Down.
Sam Ricketson was Closest to the Pin Contest Winner and received a cooler courtesy of ACE Hardware in Blackshear.
First Place Net winners were Tyler Pearson, Joe Stewart, Marshall Edgy and Trampus Edgy.
Third Place Net winners were Sammy Story, Chris Gonzales, Brian Hickox and Jim Stapleton.
Second Place Net winners were Tyler Vaughn, Asher Dean, Justin Smith and Hardt Strickland.
