My MBA Career: Insights and Achievements from the 24th Annual Porkys Open

Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Annual Porky’s Open Golf Tournament Raises Over $1 Million in Scholarship Funds for UTC Student-Athletes

Chattanooga Mocs’ 24th annual Porky’s Open golf tournament was held on Tuesday, August 2, 2023, at the Council Fire Golf Club. The event, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, has a rich history of raising scholarship funds for student-athletes at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).

Throughout its 24-year history, the Porky’s Open has contributed more than $1 million to support aspiring student-athletes at UTC. This year’s tournament was no exception, with participants coming together to support the university’s athletes.

The First Flight category witnessed an intense competition, but it was the team of Brian Millican, Steven Smith, and Porter Nelms who emerged as the winners. Meanwhile, Jim McKenzie, Bill Towers, Lake Johnson, and Billy Weathers grabbed the runner-up position in the category.

In Flight 2, Tony Killen, Logan Killen, Mike Churchwell, and Ted Broyles showcased their skills and secured the first-place position. Mark Smith, Matt Jenne, Dustin Gill, and Andrew Thompson were commendable runners-up in Flight 2.

However, the tournament was not just about competitiveness. It also celebrated camaraderie and fun on the greens. The team of Jeff Cogburn, Ken Jones, Rhonda Hatfield, and Andrew Brown earned the coveted “Most Fun” title, adding a touch of enjoyment to the event.

Individual achievements were also recognized during the tournament. Trent Jackson and Joe Bailey won closest to the pin on Hole 7 and Hole 17, respectively. Brian Millican, who was also part of the winning team in the First Flight category, recorded the longest drive on Hole 11.

Additionally, this year’s Porky’s Open served as a special tribute to Frank Kinser, a well-respected figure in the Chattanooga community. Kinser, who had significant involvement in various organizations and served on the UT Board of Governors, received recognition for his contributions. His commitment to the event led to the creation of the Frank Kinser Porky’s Open Endowed Scholarship in 2020, which receives a portion of the tournament’s proceeds to provide ongoing scholarship support.

The Porky’s Open has become a highly regarded golf tournament in the Chattanooga community, continuing Frank Kinser’s legacy of support for UTC student-athletes. Apart from raising scholarship funds, it brings together supporters for a day of golf and fellowship in the spirit of giving back to the university.