Playing with a Purpose!
You are invited to join us September 16 for the 2024 Bob Downs Invitational Golf Classic! The day will feature great golf at Big Spring Country Club, fantastic food, a silent auction, fun prizes and several special surprises! All proceeds go to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville! To date we have raised over $300,000 and helped build 12 houses!
Bring a team, or sign up as an individual and we will pair you up. The field is limited to 120 players. Don’t miss out! Register now!
2024 registration is now open!
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION GOOD THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2
Click here to register for the 2024 Bob Downs Invitational. Player fee is $150 and includes greens fee, practice range, a goodie bag and lunch and dinner. Registration goes to $175/player on September 2.
Our Story
The Bob Downs Invitational Golf Classic is a ministry of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville, and is named in honor of former SMBC member and avid golfer, Bob Downs. The tournament is played with the two-fold purpose of sharing faith and helping others in the name of Jesus.
The Bob Downs Invitational Golf Classic has been partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Louisville since 2011. To date we have raised more than $300,000, and help build 12 houses!
Click on the Sponsor tab to find out how you can help working poor in Louisville realize the life-changing dream of becoming homeowners. And be sure to check out the Sponsor a Player option for information about a fun idea that has the potential of raising an additional money for Habitat!
Last year’s event raised our total to over $300,000!
The 2023 Bob Downs Invitational Golf Classic was played on Monday, September 11 at Big Spring Country Club. American flags lined the drive at the entrance to the club, and a beautiful banner welcomed the 104 players who participated.
Special festivities honored the significance of the day for our country. Habitat CEO, Rob Locke welcomed everyone and shared a word of thanks; a Color Guard from Male High School presented colors; Keith Powell sang the National Anthem; and Ron Oliver, who was at Ground Zero in New York just days after the attack, shared a brief word of inspiration and challenge with our field before we hit the links. Pastor Alan prayed us off and then greeted each group as they played #17, gifting them with the prospect of a 12 foot birdie putt– which many still missed!
The 2023 Classic raised $27,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Louisville. This gift pushes us past $300,000 total giving, and is helping build a home for Dennis Vacque (see spotlight below).
Special thanks to The Black Shirts– our volunteer team, who extended the hospitality for which our event has become known. Special thanks also to the Bob Downs Leadership Team: Karen Finlinson, David Garrard, Tom Logue, Laurie Madden, Conway Stone, Rick Thurston and Denise Withers.
Click the Contact tab for information about how you can come alongside and help us make a difference right here in Louisville through the 2024 Bob Downs Invitational.
Our Schedule
11:00 a.m.
Registration & Check In
11:30 a.m.
Lunch Available
12:30 p.m.
Shotgun Start
6:00 p.m.
Dinner & Program
Meet our 2023 Homeowner!
23 year old, Vaque Dennis played football at Trinity, and now manages a sandwich shop in St. Matthews. Like all Habitat recipients, Vaque is helping build his home, and is shown here with Steve Holm and Phil Martin (see story below).
Our Key Builders!
Steve Holm and Phil Martin are members of St. Matthews Baptist Church and are the lead contractors for what is known as The Baptist House. Together, Steve and Phil have helped build more than 100 houses for Habitat!
Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville