This year’s Pair of Jacks Golf Tournament brought in $2,279 to support the Wessington Springs High School golf team, with proceeds helping cover equipment costs and facility improvements at the Springs Country Club.
Funds from the tournament will be used to replace varsity golf bags, and any remaining money will go toward an addition to the existing golf shed north of the east shed at the country club.
“The country club board voted to do this so the youth can have their space and not have to store their golf equipment under the grandstands,” said Head Golf Coach Regina Teveldal. “Some of the money will also help pay green fees for practice rounds at out-oftown courses where region and state tournaments are held.”
Teveldal emphasized how expensive sports can be in general and that rings true for students participating in golf. “Last year we used the tournament money to get all the kids matching shirts to have a cohesive look during competition.”
Much of the tournament’s success came from participants who donated their prize winnings back to the program and from community members who contributed food and prizes.
“We really want to thank everyone who donated back their winnings. That makes a big difference,” said Teveldal. “Some former team members also gave back because they appreciated what the program did for them.”
The event is hosted by Jean Ferguson and Joyce Krueger in memory of their husbands, Jack Ferguson and Jack Krueger, two longtime community members who enjoyed the game of golf and supported local youth. This year’s donations even included toothbrushes as a nod to Dr. Jack Krueger’s career as a dentist.
“When we started this tournament, we had two boys qualify for state and they didn’t have bags or even matching shirts,” said Ferguson. “We just felt like it was something that needed to be done.”
Since then, the program has grown—this year five students qualified for the state tournament.
As community support has grown, so too has the golf program. “We had five kids qualify for state this year,” Teveldal shared. “Look at what the program has built in that time. And it’s not just the school’s golf team that benefits—it’s the country club, too. Student memberships are up more than ever before.”
“We’re just thankful,” Teveldal added. “We’re beyond thankful that Jean and Joyce and their families do this tournament, while at the same time honoring two amazing men we all remember on the golf course.”