Participants ready for Kow Pasture Klassic

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- For nearly 30 years, participants in the Kow Pasture Klassic have enjoyed putting through a nine-hole man-made golf course using a tennis ball and club of their choice -- all in an effort to benefit Southeast Missouri children and veterans.

The 28th annual Kow Pasture Klassic begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Schindler's Tavern in New Hamburg, where teams of four "golf" through the green course, which is land next to Schindler's. The cost is $100 per team of four, which includes a can cooler and two tickets that can be cashed for beverages.

The game is played like regular golf -- except it's played in a field and not on a regulated course. Participants use tennis balls and any kind of club they can construct.

All proceeds from the event are split between the Kenny Rogers Children's Center in Sikeston, Mo., and the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

"For some of our veterans who've been with us for awhile, the Kow Pasture Klassic is one of things they look forward to going to each year," said Debbie Monroe, supervisor of volunteer services for Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

A tribute to the military will be at noon with colors posted by The Marine Corps League.

An auction will take place at approximately 5 p.m.

The Veterans Home brings a bus or van of veterans to the fundraiser each year.

"It's neat when we have people originally from that area who attend. It's like going back home and seeing some of their friends and family," Monroe said.

This will be the second year the Veterans Home van will arrive with an escort by a local motorcycle group from the Veterans Home to Schindler's Tavern.

"It makes for a grand entrance into that little town of New Hamburg," Monroe said.

Christy O'Neal, marketing and development director for KRCC, has participated in the four-person scramble for a few years.

Four teams from the center are slated to play this year.

"It is really a fun day," O'Neal said. "I thoroughly enjoy it. My brother and sister-in-law are coming up from Kennett, Mo., to play this year."

Throughout the years, O'Neal has used various items as her club -- a tennis racket, boat oar, slingshot, maneqquin leg and a snowball thrower.

"You definitely do not have to know how to play golf by any means," O'Neal said. "Some people say: 'Oh, I don't know how to play,' but it's not about that."

Once again, the Veterans Home will have a team of staff members and volunteers at the Klassic.

"It's great fun. It's mostly fun because you don't have to know how to golf," Monroe said. "You play with an attitude of having fun and supporting the cause."

About 30 teams are signed up for Saturday's event, but more groups are expected to register, according to an employee with Schindler's Tavern.

Several tee times remain available, especially between 8 and 10 a.m.

Monroe commended Schindler's Tavern owners Rick and Heather Lawson along with Klassic volunteers.

"They really get out and work hard to make it happen," Monroe said.

Sponsored by Schindler's Tavern, Kohlfeld Distributing, Stag/Pabst Brewing and Mike's Hard Lemonade, the Klassic began in 1985 when the late Cy Glueck, the former owner of Schindler's Tavern, wanted to create a fundraiser for local children who were using the Kenny Rogers Children Center in Sikeston.

Glueck contacted Kohlfeld Distributing accounts manager Mitch Miller, together they came up with the Kow Pasture Klassic, according to Miller.

When the Klassic first began, it actually was played in a cow pasture owned by Melvin Schott located just outside of New Hamburg.

Ten years later, the course was moved behind the tavern before settling into its current location on 25 acres of land owned by St. Lawrence Church in New Hamburg, which is adjacent to the tavern.

The Klassic is played rain or shine.

"One year it was a little drizzly outside and then other years it's sunny and beautiful outside. Either way, it's a good time," O'Neal said.

"They also do a silent auction later in the day, and that's always fun," O'Neal said, noting the center helps by donating auction items.

Donations directly benefit the veterans' needs.

"Seeing the veterans there and having fun is always really rewarding. Seeing the tribute everyone pays to the veterans is really heartwarming, too," Monroe said, adding that the community support of all the veterans makes them feel especially proud.

O'Neal estimated the fundraiser usually brings in between $4,000 and $6,000 for the center.

"We hope a lot of people will come out and have a good day and a good time and support two great causes," O'Neal said.

For more information, contact Schindler's Tavern at 545-3709 or Mitch Miller at 243-3931.

Pertinent address:

1029 State Highway A, New Hamburg, Mo.