CULLMAN, Ala. – The sixth annual John E. Hunt Memorial Golf Tournament will return to Cross Creek Golf Course on Saturday, Aug. 22, continuing a tradition that honors the former Cullman Parks and Recreation director while raising money for scholarships and youth sports opportunities across the community.
The tournament will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is organized by the Hunt Family Foundation.
The event was established following Hunt’s death in March 2020. Hunt served for years as director of Cullman Parks and Recreation and became closely associated with the development of the city’s parks, recreational facilities and youth sports programs. The memorial tournament was first held in 2021.
Organizers said the tournament is designed to continue Hunt’s legacy of service, family and community by turning a day on the golf course into opportunities for local students and young athletes.
Proceeds support the Hunt Family Foundation’s work providing higher education scholarships and assistance for children participating in youth sports.
Since the tournament began, the foundation has funded 12 higher education scholarships for Cullman County students attending Auburn University and Wallace State Community College.
The foundation scholarship recipients are selected by the schools, while the Hunt Family Foundation provides the funding.
The organization has also helped approximately 50 families with youth sports scholarships, covering registration fees for children participating in city and county parks and recreation programs.
In addition, the foundation has donated sports equipment to programs throughout the community.
“Every golfer, every sponsor, every volunteer helps us expand our reach and continue building the kind of community John believed in,” the foundation shared in promoting this year’s event.
The tournament has continued to grow since its creation. The fourth annual event in 2024 attracted 30 teams and more than 100 golfers at Cross Creek Golf Course.
For Hunt’s family, however, the event has remained about more than participation numbers.
The tournament serves as an annual tribute to Hunt’s influence on Cullman and the recreational opportunities he worked to create during his career.
The Hunt Family Foundation describes this year’s message simply: “Form a team. Play with purpose. Keep the mission alive.”
Registration remains open for golfers interested in participating in the Aug. 22 tournament.
The sixth annual John E. Hunt Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Cross Creek Golf Course in Cullman.
Registration information is available through the Hunt Family Foundation’s Facebook page.
