The 62nd Charlie Rice Lions Memorial Golf Tournament is happening this weekend at the Cherokee Village South Golf Course. Spanning Saturday and Sunday, the tournament is the region’s oldest and largest, attracting participants and spectators from across Arkansas and neighboring states in the Mid-South and Midwest.
Marc Herring, one of this year’s tournament directors and a member of the Lions Club, highlighted the economic impact of the event. Over the tournament weekend and extending into surrounding weeks, local motels, resorts, restaurants, shops, and service providers typically see a significant uptick in business. The tournament, named for longtime director Charlie Rice, honors his extensive work with the Spring River Lions Club and Lions International.
Proceeds from the event fund multiple charitable initiatives led by the local Lions Club. While the organization is widely recognized for its focus on sight conservation and providing eyewear, the funds also support a wide range of other community services. For example, the Lions Club operates a medical shed that supplies durable medical equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and patient lifters, either on temporary loan or as a permanent gift to those in need. The club partners with agencies including doctor’s offices, Area Agency on Aging, senior centers, and home health services to connect people with this equipment.
The Charlie Rice tournament, now in its sixth decade, continues to be a vital part of the Lions Club’s mission while bringing golfers and enthusiasts together for competition and camaraderie. Events like this allow the Lions Club to extend its outreach to the community and beyond.