Kow Pasture Klassic back for 25th year, without key figure

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- As the Kow Pasture Klassic marks its 25th anniversary this weekend, one person will be notably missing -- Cy Glueck, who helped coin the fundraiser, who died last month, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

"We're going to miss Cy terribly," said Mitch Miller of Kohlfield Distributing in Cape Girardeau, who came up with the idea with Glueck and has been involved in the event since its beginning. "We'll certainly have some time set aside just in memory of him."

Miller said he also plans to say a few words about Glueck, former owner of Schindler's Tavern, which puts on the event every year, as well as how far the fundraiser has come over the years.

Organizers dub the Kow Pasture Klassic as one of the most unique games of golf someone will ever play. Golf clubs can also be hockey sticks, baseball bats or tennis rackets, and the balls are actually tennis balls.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, teams of four "golf" through the course -- which is actually land adjacent to Schindler's. Cost is $160 per team, which also includes a T-shirt and tickets that can be cashed in for food and beverages. Miller said about 30 teams have signed up so far.

"It's a fun day for everybody, but we also do it for two great causes," said longtime participant Geniece Kinder. All proceeds from the event are split between the Kenny Rogers Children's Center and the Missouri Veterans Home.

And while veterans will benefit from the funds, some get a chance to see the action, too.

"We bring a group of them from the Missouri Veterans Home to watch," said Miller. "We treat them to sandwiches and a cold beer or whatever they want. They just love it."

Participants seem to love it, too. Christy O'Neal of the KRCC said she participated for the first time last year, but plans to play the game again on Saturday.

"It was just so much fun," said O'Neal. "In fact, I've talked my brother and his wife into coming up from Kennett to play."

Rick Lawson, who owns Schindler's with his wife, Heather, said he, too, participates in the Kow Pasture Klassic. He and his wife also played before they owned the bar.

"It's just so much fun and a great fundraiser," said Lawson.

Jenna Thomas, a therapist at the KRCC agreed.

"I like sportsy-type things, and this is a different way to get out and raise money," she said. "It's something I really like to do, especially if there is nice weather."

Thomas said it's interesting to see how creative some people will get when creating their club. "I've seen people use tennis rackets, homemade clubs and even therapy bands to launch the ball," she said.

As for Thomas, she sticks with a tennis racket as her club.

Kinder said she, too, enjoys seeing the creativity. "But people aren't as creative with the clubs as they used to be," she said. She's played about 16 years -- since the Klassic was played in an actual cow pasture, owned by Melvin Schott just outside of New Hamburg.

Miller recalled that in 1985, Glueck contacted him about coming up with a fundraiser for two area children who utilized the services at the KRCC.

"I had been thinking about (a similar fundraiser) and said 'I have the perfect thing,'" said Miller. The two then sat down, tweaked the idea, and the Kow Pasture Klassic began.

It's been held at three locations and grown to as many as 134 teams. "But we never expected it to get this big -- we thought we would just have it a couple of times," said Miller.

In addition to those who play, a crowd comes to watch the golfers, as well as participate in some of the other activities.

Concessions, including hamburgers and loins, are available through the day, said Lawson. Also, there is a silent auction, which includes "anything from homemade pies to jewelry to toy tractors," he said. At noon, the Marine Honor Guard will post colors and play taps for fallen soldiers.

There will also be several raffles, including one for a handmade anniversary quilt, noted Miller. Even the raffle brings memories of Glueck, who raised the most money selling tickets -- often times more than $400.

To register for the event, contact Schindler's Tavern or the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. A form can also be downloaded at the Center's website, www.kennyrogerscenter.org.