I’ve loved golf for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Twin Falls, Idaho, I spent countless hours on the course, not just because I enjoyed the sport, but because it gave me space to think, connect with others, and challenge myself. I even went to state for golf back in the day. Now, as a business owner and community member, I’ve come to appreciate golf for something much bigger than birdies and bogeys.

Golf has a unique power to bring people together—and not just for sport. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how golf tournaments can create real change in local communities by raising money, building awareness, and fostering lasting connections.

That’s exactly why I started the Ryan Franklin Memorial Golf Tournament. It began as a way to honor a friend, but it’s grown into something so much more—a way to give back, support local causes, and inspire others to swing with purpose.

A Platform for Impact

There’s something special about the atmosphere of a charity golf tournament. It’s relaxed but focused. Social but meaningful. You’ve got people from all walks of life coming together for a cause—business owners, families, retirees, and young people—all connected by a shared desire to make a difference.

Unlike other fundraisers, a golf tournament offers both an experience and a mission. You’re not just asking people to donate—you’re inviting them to participate. Whether it’s a local nonprofit, a family in need, or a scholarship fund, a well-run tournament gives people a reason to care and a reason to show up.

I’ve seen sponsors come on board not just for the exposure, but because they believe in what we’re doing. I’ve watched players go from casual participants to passionate advocates. And I’ve witnessed how one day on the golf course can create ripple effects that last for months—or even years.

Honoring a Legacy

The Ryan Franklin Memorial Tournament means a lot to me personally. Ryan was more than just a friend—he was someone who embodied generosity, humility, and community spirit. After he passed, I knew I wanted to do something that would carry on his legacy.

A golf tournament felt like the perfect fit. Not just because Ryan loved the game, but because it reflected the values he stood for—bringing people together, lifting others up, and living life with purpose.

Since we started the tournament, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for local causes that Ryan would have cared deeply about. And while the numbers matter, it’s the stories that stick with me: the families we’ve supported, the kids who’ve benefited from new opportunities, the relationships that have been built through a simple game with a greater purpose.

The Business of Giving Back

As a business owner, I see events like this as part of my responsibility. Sure, my main job is to build homes through Iron Oaks Custom Homes and run my other companies well. But if that’s all I did, I’d be missing the bigger picture.

I believe business and community should go hand in hand. We’ve been blessed with success—and that success should serve others. Hosting a tournament is just one way to do that. It also opens doors for my team, my clients, and my network to get involved in something bigger than themselves.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of business. But taking the time to give back reminds us why we do what we do. It adds meaning to the work, and it strengthens the community we’re a part of.

Planning with Purpose

Running a successful charity golf event doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, coordination, and a team that believes in the cause. Every detail matters—from securing sponsors and booking the course to organizing volunteers and promoting the event.

But when it all comes together, it’s worth it. The smiles at the end of the day, the checks we hand over to local organizations, the stories shared during the awards dinner—they remind us that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional.

If you’re thinking about starting a tournament or supporting one, I encourage you to go for it. It doesn’t have to be huge to be meaningful. Start with a clear mission, rally your people, and keep the focus on the impact.

More Than a Scorecard

Golf is a beautiful game. It teaches patience, discipline, and strategy. But when used with the right mindset, it also becomes a powerful tool for generosity and connection.

I don’t care if you shoot under par or double bogey half the holes—if you’re out there for the right reasons, you’re winning in ways that matter most.

Every swing, every sponsorship, every donation—it all adds up. And when we swing with purpose, we’re not just playing a game. We’re building a stronger community, one drive at a time.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I never imagined that a love for golf would turn into a platform for change. But that’s the beauty of combining passion with purpose. Whether you’re a builder, a golfer, a business owner, or just someone who cares, you have the power to make a difference.

You don’t need to change the whole world. Start with your community. Start with one event, one cause, one story. That’s how legacies are built. That’s how lives are changed.

So grab your clubs, gather your people, and let’s keep swinging for something greater.