Hearts Behind Badge 8th Annual Golf Tournament 2026
By DANIELLE REID
Patriot Publishing
The Thornspring Golf Club in Pulaski will be the site for the 8th Annual Hearts Behind The Badge Golf Tournament, being held on September 19th. Tee Off begins at 1 p.m.
According to Amanda Phillips, Vice President of Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge, the organization is a non-profit, dedicated to support, encourage and inspire Law Enforcement Officers and their families.
The group was launched to create a legacy fund in memory of Pulaski County Deputy Perry Hodge. Deputy Hodge was killed in an early morning traffic accident on January 14, 2021 on Route 11 close to Dublin.
The group’s goal is to ensure that the men and women who protect Pulaski County citizens have all the resources they need, and comfort in knowing that their community supports them.
“We are a non-profit organization, which started as small group of Pulaski County Sheriff’s officers’ wives. Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge is a support system driven by passionate individuals, ready to be activated when needed,” she stated.
When tragedy strikes, the group sends prayers, cards, and other methods of support such as emotional and comfort items.
“As word got out about Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge, the group grew and included not just family, but others who support laws enforcement. It can be for everybody – not just immediate family. It can include friends, businesses and individuals who want to support our officers and our community. We are also trying to gain visibility in the community so people know we are supporting other community projects,” Phillips added.
In addition to holding golf and softball tournaments for fundraisers, Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge has started several community projects including a Sgt. Perry Memorial Fund Scholarship for high school seniors who wish to attend New River Community College.
The Annual Hearts Behind The Badge Golf Tournament helps with fundraising and is a once-a-year fun event. This year, the format is Captains Choice, where after everyone Tees Off, the four-person team chooses the single best ball position, and then every player hits from the previous shot on each play. All four players pick up their golf ball and hit their next shots from that chosen spot. The process continues for every stroke until the ball goes in the hole on the green.
Individuals and businesses can participate by sponsoring one of the 18-holes, or a golf cart, where their name or business will be displayed.
Advertisement sponsorship will begin at the golf registration desk for a $50 donation.
For a $100 donation, a sign or placard displaying the company name will be placed at one of the 18-holes.
For a $150 donation, a sign or placard will be placed at one hole and another as a putting green sponsor.
If a sponsor wishes to have multiple name recognitions, for a donation of $200, a sign will be displayed at one hole, at the putting green and at the driving range.
Golf Cart sponsors will have a business advertisement placed in each golf cart for a $500 donation.
The funds received through sponsorships are used to provide support for officers during training exercises, emergent situations or tragedies within Pulaski County.
And of course there are cash prizes for first ($400), second ($300), and third ($200) place overall team winners. The tournament provides lunch, small gift bags for all players and a 50/50 raffle.
There is still time to register for the tournament. Donation is $75 per player or $300 for a four-person team to be part of the Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge 8th Annual Golf Tournament.
If you are unable to attend the Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge 8th Annual Golf Tournament, but want to support them with the legacy fund for Deputy Hodge, send your donations to: Pulaski County Hearts Behind The Badge, P.O. Box 45, Dublin, VA 24084.