Gene’s Dream

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Gene Weldon was a near 50 year PGA Professional in the famous Carolinas section. He was an instrumental figure, alongside golf legend Carolyn Cudone, in the foundation and development of a formidable junior golf program in the Myrtle Beach area. Described by all who crossed his path as a true gentleman who would do anything to help a friend, Weldon is sorely missed as he lost a hard fought battle to cancer in January of 2017. Gene’s passion was youth golf but he didn’t just teach children how to play the game. He taught them how to love it. He believed golf was a reflection of life and that life is about friendship and responsibility. Gene was a passionate supporter of The First Tee chapters of Brunswick County and the Grand Strand through a variety of innovative programs, tournaments and fundraising activities.
Weldon was a mentor to many, not the least of whom were Golf Channel personalities Kelly Tilghman and Charlie Rymer who are pictured here with their life-long friend. He played countless rounds of golf with them from an early age. Later in life Gene would bring Tilghman, Rymer and the Golf Channel to an annual fund raising tournament at the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club at Pawley’s Island. Benefiting the First Tee of The Grand Strand, each year the tourney honors a significant contributor to youth golf. The 2017 honoree is Gene himself.

Kelly Tilghman was with Gene and his family and close friends in his final days. It was his dying wish that more be done to advance youth golf in the area. She is fulfilling that wish with the creation of Gene’s Dream Foundation. The vision is to establish a sustainable junior golf program based on youth development, golf and a culture of mentoring through positive experiences.

Gene’s Dream Foundation will have as its inaugural event The Mentor Cup, to be held at Tidewater Golf Club in Myrtle Beach on October 27, 2018. This will be an invitational tournament showcasing inspirational stories of mentees honoring their mentors.  The event will also include a two hour stand-up comedy performance by the one and only David Feherty to benefit the foundation. It’s Feherty Off Tour: Wandering Around on His Own.

We encourage you to learn more about Gene Weldon on this site, mark your calendars for the Mentor Cup, and return to genesdream.com and mentorcup.com periodically as event news evolves.