This is the second year for the Joey Hardison Memorial Golf Tournament. Joey became an avid golfer in college, playing at both Mount Olive College and Atlantic Christian College after being awarded a golf scholarship. After college Joey’s passion for golf continued and he soon joined the Emerald Golf Club upon its opening. Joey became Club Champion in 1999 followed by Senior Club Champion in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In November of 2023 after playing a round of golf at the Emerald, sadly, Joey passed away from a massive heart attack. He was 61. Joey is remembered by his family for his love for golf, his love for the Emerald and the love for his golf family.

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In addition to his love of golf Joey loved children. Like their father, both of Joey’s sons played sports growing up and have developed a love of golf as well. Like last year, Joey’s family wishes to continue to support children in our community through developmental learning and play programs offered by Craven Smart Start. Proceeds from this tournament will be used to expand opportunities for outreach for children ages 2-5 years old via a mobile learning unit, “Joey’s Learn and Play.” This mobile unit will provide outreach learning and play opportunities across the county for children that may not be able to access such possibilities through traditional learning avenues.