RINER – A new tradition is teeing off in Montgomery County.
This Saturday, Aug. 8, the Auburn Hills Ladies Golf League will host the Working 9 to 5 Charity Golf Tournament, the first all-female charity golf tournament ever held at Auburn Hills Golf Club.
More than a day of friendly competition, the event celebrates the remarkable growth of women’s golf in the New River Valley while raising funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Montgomery County, helping provide free books to local children from birth to age five.
the Auburn Hills Ladies Golf League was established in 2024 with a simple vision: create a welcoming place where women of every age and skill level could discover the game of golf, build friendships, encourage one another, and enjoy the lifelong benefits of the sport.
In just two seasons, the league has grown into a vibrant community of women who gather each week not only to play golf, but to celebrate one another’s successes, laugh through the challenges, and create lasting memories.
Now, that same spirit of community is expanding beyond the golf course.
Now, that same spirit of community is expanding beyond the golf course.
“Our league has become so much more than golf,” said Terri Welch, president of the Auburn Hills Ladies Golf League. “We’ve built friendships, confidence, and a true sense of community. Hosting this tournament gives us the opportunity to share that spirit while supporting a cause that changes children’s lives through the gift of reading.”
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s legacy of generosity and literacy, the Working 9 to 5 tournament combines competition with plenty of fun, including a Dolly Parton Look-Alike Contest, on-course games, raffle prizes donated by local businesses, lunch, and team awards.
The event begins with coffee and pastries at 8 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start at Auburn Hills Golf Club. There is still time for teams to sign up. To sign up by this Friday, Aug. 7, go to https://working9to5golftournament.my.canva.site/.
“We are still accepting pre-registered teams through Friday, and we would certainly encourage anyone interested to register in advance so we can plan accordingly,” said Welch. “That said, if a team decides at the last minute that they’d like to join us, they are welcome to come to Auburn Hills Golf Club by 8 a.m. on Saturday, and we’ll do our very best to accommodate them. While pre-registration is preferred, we certainly don’t want to turn anyone away if space allows.”
“We’re looking forward to a fun day on the course while raising funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Montgomery County,” she continued. “Every team that joins us helps put more books into the hands of local children, and we’re grateful for the community’s support.”
Every dollar raised will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Montgomery County, which mails a new, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth until their fifth birthday — encouraging a lifelong love of reading and helping prepare children for success in school.
The inaugural tournament has received an overwhelming response from businesses and community leaders across the New River Valley, whose sponsorships and prize donations have helped make the event possible.
Leading the way as the tournament’s Headline Sponsor is Susan Cordell of MAKE Wellness, whose support has helped launch this first-of-its-kind event.
Additional sponsors and community partners include Christine Smith, Ameriprise Financial Advisor; Brooke Brinson, Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry; Terri Welch, Paint ‘n Fun Ceramics; Louise Baker, Long & Foster Real Estate; Kirstin Gallagher, MK Leadership; Kayla Henson, SERVPRO; Austin DeVincent, Nest Realty; Susan Brickhouse, Filamina Jewelry; Dr. Theresa Turner, The Biz Doctor; and Shelor Motor Mile.
“The response from our business community has been incredible,” Welch said. “These sponsors didn’t just write a check—they invested in an event that celebrates women, strengthens our community, and helps put books into the hands of local children. We couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity.”
“We’re proud to be creating a new tradition,” Welch said. “Whether someone comes to compete, dress up as Dolly, or simply spend a day with friends, every participant is helping place books into the hands of children across Montgomery County. Every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading.”
“Dolly Parton has created a program that changes lives one book at a time,” she continued. “If we can spend a day doing something we love while helping inspire the next generation of readers, that’s a win for everyone.”
Auburn Hills Ladies Golf League
