The winning team from Houston Heating and Air was, from left, Sthil Sowers, Joby Tugwell, Mitchell Houston and Tyler Smith. Photo by Mary Rouse / Young Life

SNOW HILL — Area golfers got the chance to enjoy the beautiful spring weather this week while supporting a local youth organization.

The sixth annual Lenoir Greene Young Life Golf Tournament took place at Cutter Creek Golf Club in Greene County Wednesday afternoon with 72 golfers hitting the course to compete for a variety of prizes. Young Life Area Director Clint Rouse said the golf tournament is a major fundraiser for the organization, helping them with their goal of building a community of faith and friendship for local high school students.

Rouse said students from North Lenoir, Greene Central and Arendell Parrott Academy helped with the setup for the event, served lunch to the competitors, and shared during lunch about the ways Young Life has impacted them.

NL student Gracie Herring said Young Life gives her a chance to interact with other students she might not have met otherwise, and helping with the tournament didn’t feel like work because they were working together. Fellow NLHS student Catherine Palmer agreed.

“It was fun because we are all together,” Palmer said.

Volunteer David Edwards, who serves on the Young Life committee, spearheaded the planning for the tournament. He said planning for the event started in December, with work continuing a bit every month. An integral part of that planning was gaining the support of local businesses to sponsor the event and to provide prizes for the entrants. Bojangles’ was a major sponsor for the tournament, and also provided lunch for the competitors.

The prize for the winning team was gift certificates to the Chef and the Farmer restaurant. Prizes for runners-up and other achievements included rounds of golf at various local courses, donated merchandise, Young Life-themed items, and other gift certificates for local businesses.

All competitors were able to enjoy a post-round dinner of chicken wings grilled on site at the golf course.

Jason McKnight, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Kinston, said he was simply happy to get the chance to help support the young people of Lenoir and Greene Counties by playing a round of golf.

“We get to help introduce them to Jesus and enjoy a gorgeous day on a great course,” he said.

Houston Heating and Air sponsored the winning team of Sthil Sowers, Joby Tugwell, Mitchell Houston and Tyler Smith.