Seeds of Security Golf Tournament Has Record Participation
On June 16, a rainy morning at Renditions Golf Club in Davidsonville, 18 foursomes teed off in the largest-ever Seeds of Security Golf Tournament. Now in its fifth year, the tournament continues to grow in reach and impact, bringing together community members and church leaders to raise funds and awareness for survivors of intimate partner violence, formerly known as domestic violence.
This year’s event marks a new high for participation, including four foursomes from Severna Park UMC.
Falling just one day after the conclusion of the U.S. Open, the tournament gave players a chance to imagine themselves on golf’s grandest stage. Renditions, a replica course, allowed participants to play iconic holes from championship history, including hole 15, inspired by this year’s U.S. Open’s infamous church pew bunker. The church-oriented name wasn’t lost on players, who were also excited to play a series of three holes affectionally named Amen Corner, after holes 11, 12, and 13 from Augusta National.
Renditions' general manager, James Molina, shared that the nickname comes from how players breathe a word of “Amen” after finishing the grueling holes.
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling is a survivor of domestic abuse. She created the Seeds of Security Ministry and opened this year’s tournament by lifting up the cause behind the competition. “Often, the most dangerous point of a domestic violence relationship is the moment you decide to leave,” she said. “This tournament helps bridge the gap to get those individuals and their children the resources they need when they take that brave step to leave.”
With the support of her husband, Rev. Marion Easterling, who was the event’s visionary, the Rev. Stacey Cole Wilson, the Seeds of Security Golf Tournament team, and CFO Paul Eichelberger, the vision for this event continues to grow.
When asked if he ever imagined it would reach 18 teams, Rev. Easterling replied confidently, “Absolutely. It was only a matter of time.”
This year’s tournament champions, Ray McDonald, Michael Thomas, and Joseph Gesell, posted an impressive score despite the wet conditions. Prizes were also awarded to second place, third place, longest drive, and closest to the pin.
Through registration, sponsorships, a silent auction, and generous giving, this year’s tournament raised more than $9,500 to support survivors and provide emergency assistance and resources for them to escape violence and find safety.
Learn more at bwcumc.org/sos.