LUSBY, Md. — Teams teed off bright and early on Thursday, June 26, committed to competition for a cause. Nearly two dozen teams and equally as many sponsors helped Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) reach their fundraising goals at their 12th annual tournament at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course.
From pickleball equipment sellers to aerospace giants, local businesses showed up to support Leadership Southern Maryland, a nonprofit that helps executive and emerging leaders connect and learn about the needs of the community. Businesses put teams or pairs together to compete in the tournament, whose goal was to raise funds for the programs and to support scholarship opportunities.
The teams of four competed for first, second and third place prizes, as well as extras placed throughout the course — like a $10,000 vacation package sponsored by Chesapeake Travel. All golfers had to do to win that dream vacation was to get a hole in one on hole 16.
The event also offered a sip and swing option, where golf rookies could spend time with a golf pro without formally participating in the tournament.
One sip and swing team enjoyed drinks in the clubhouse after hitting with the pro. “We lasted about two hours,” one participant said with a laugh. “It’s so hot!”
Despite the heat, co-workers, friends and family teams shared laughs, drinks and some time in the sandpit throughout the day. With so many teams golfing, the rules were adjusted to keep everyone moving. Beverly Brown, the event organizer and 2014 LSM grad, was excited by the high turnout, especially given the weather.
“You’re all probably going to have the best scores of your lives,” she joked in her opening remarks to participants.
Three teams stood out and ultimately declared victory at this year’s tournament:
1st Place, Team KBR: Jason Gray, Ryan Sapp, Andrew Woodburn and Dave Bean
2nd Place, Team Sabre: Jamie Norris, Brian Harper, Tommy Bowes, Levi Jameson
3rd Place, Team Duke/Waring-Ahearn Insurance: Brian Duke, Jackson Duke, Andrew Fenlon, Joe Fenlon
Winners were honored in a post-tournament ceremony where they got to cool off and enjoy a well-earned lunch.
“I really want to thank our sponsors,” Brown said. “Most of our fundraising goals have already been achieved through sponsorships and players and teams.” Brown called out Eagle sponsors Milfor and KBR, lunch sponsor MAG Aerospace, and breakfast sponsor Southern Maryland Navy Alliance for their commitment to the event.
While the event is a great fundraiser, Brown impressed upon how the tournament helps bring the organization and community members together in a day of golf networking. It creates an opportunity for people to meet and get to know each other and for LSM students and volunteers to learn about the organization.
What makes LSM special is not only that it trains people on how to be good leaders and managers. The organization also focuses on how to solve problems in this specific community. A diversity of experiences and perspectives are valued at LSM to empower people to solve problems with tools they already have — and the ones they learn in the program.
Brown began planning the event back in January alongside a committee. The fundraiser brought in more nonprofit participants this year, an exciting development because it expands the scope of community partnerships.
During the event, LSM leaders talked to community members about the goals and missions of the organization. One main goal for this year is recruitment for the Emerging Leaders program, or LEAP. LSM is looking to fill 25 spots for this year’s program and is accepting applications on a rolling basis through Sept. 30.
LSM’s Executive Director Sybol Anderson spent the day doing everything from managing volunteers to networking with sponsors to handing out water.
“I love this event,” she said, her genuine, ear-to-ear smile a walking emblem of her passion for the cause.
“Of course, it’s a fundraiser and we’re trying to generate funds to support our mission. But the mission itself is for us to be together, for people to be able to network and get to know each other, to meet, have fun. Because if we’re having fun serving the community, then the community benefits from that, it benefits from the bonds that we’re forming that lead to collaborations that lead to problem solving together.”
Anderson is a former higher education professional who was energized by the openness and mission of LSM — so much so that she decided to work with the organization. She emphasizes having LSM work with community partners, including local businesses, nonprofits and government, to fill the needs of the community they know so well.
“I grew up here and I just keep coming back,” Anderson said. “Southern Maryland is a really special place.”
LSM expects to bring the golf tournament back in 2026 for its 13th year.
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