HARROD, Ohio (WLIO) - The 2026 Lima Masters teed off this afternoon to help unite community members and raise money for youth sports.
The golf outing saw 25 teams of four go head-to-head in an 18-hole team scramble. Organizers said the event has raised more than $35,000 towards youth sports in the Lima area through their partnership with 4 The Friendship.
Officials and participants said that the outing helps connect locals who have bonded over sports while raising money for the next generation of athletes.
"Every year we try to recognize a new organization to get with and and raise money to give these kids an opportunity to get out there and play, said Don Barrington, co-founder of the Lima Masters. "Our motto is 'to unite, play, thrive,' and that's what our mission is: to find these organizations that need our support and to get these kids out there on the field so they can play and thrive."
"A lot of the guys here are area athletes and we all have that bond of being able to go out when we were young and play baseball, basketball, football, whatever that sport may be. It's not just playing the sport, but developing friendships," said Doug Spencer, a participant of the outing.
Every year the outing recognizes different kinds of individuals who help contribute to youth sports, with this year's focus being officials.
The event kicked off with a ceremonial tee-off from four officials from the Lima area. Dennis Morris, a Big Ten official and Elida High School graduate, said he appreciates the recognition the event gave to officials.
"The organizers were all high school athletes, and some of them went on and played in college. I officiated in almost all of them, so I'm very proud of them that they're giving back to the community," said Morris.
The outing wrapped up with the 78th Hole Challenge, a contest dedicated to the memory of Elida athlete Dan Finnerty.
