A musical staple returned to Augusta for the 20th year on Tuesday, April 9, inviting hundreds of families to dance all evening in the Evans Towne Center Park.
Known for its great country music headliners, the Drive for Show, Rock Fore! Dough also doubles as a fundraiser for the First Tee of Augusta, a youth program that focuses on introducing children to golf, while teaching them life lessons.
First Tee of Augusta Executive Director Jill Brown said she was incredibly pleased with the community’s support and to have developed into a Masters Week tradition over the years.
“We’re very grateful for the artists who have donated their time and their talent to come out and help raise funds for the First Tee,” she said. “It’s a great program that teaches life skills to young people through the game of golf and we’re just really happy that the community has embraced this.”
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Through a system that focuses on nine core values, such as honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect, Brown said First Tee’s six-hole environment has allowed children to associate positive memories and lessons with the game of golf.
“We’re really excited about it because those are things that kids can use on the golf course and away from it,” she said. “We believe overtime, as these young people grow into adults, that they will remember the lessons they learned, take them into adulthood and our community will be better for it.”
From several years, Brown said the concert has raised more than $1.7 million for First Tee and has allowed the program to expand to help children in Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie and Burke County.
“I don’t know how to say thank you enough to all the artists who have performed over the years, but we’re looking forward to a great time,” she said.
Emily Stevenson, co-organizer of Rock Fore! Dough and representative for Gluestick Music, said the annual concert was significant as it not only benefited a local charity, but invited CSRA natives to enjoy a non-exclusive Masters tradition.
“This is something everybody can attend. Anyone can buy a ticket and come, and we make it a family-friendly event ,” Stevenson said. “Kids five and under are free and there’s vendors. There’s just so much going on … it’s a good thing all around.”
Headlining performing artist Cole Swindell said he was excited to be back in his home state and singing tunes to better Augusta’s youth.
“I got a little golf in this morning and I get to sing tonight – that’s an ideal day for me,” he said. “It’s always good to be home … there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
The Georgia Southern graduate, who was hoping to see some familiar faces in the crowd, said nothing could beat the combination of his two favorite things – golf and music.
“To be here for a good cause, to raise money so others can teach kids the game of golf, I’m always down for that,” Swindell said. “It’s Masters Week and for me to have a small part in that is an honor.”
An avid golf fan since his youth, courtesy of his dad, Swindell also said he believed it was important to interest children in golf as it can teach many life skills, such as patience.
“There’s so many things you can learn,” he said. “It’s tough and I don’t think I’ll ever master it. It’s just an amazing sport. Just the thought that kids are learning the game and it’s growing makes me happy.”
Recently well-known to Augustans for his role in a locally filmed, baseball feature, “The Hill,” co-performer Randy Houser said he also felt it was important for children to be introduced to golf at an early age, and he was delighted to contribute to Augusta’s fundraising concert.
“I didn’t start playing until I was in my 30s, because we didn’t have access to golf growing up as a kid,” he said. “I think it’s a fantastic thing that we are helping to see that kids have equipment, places to play and people to mentor them.”
Equally significant, Houser said he believed it was possible that programs similar to First Tee could even inspire golf’s next greatest athletes.
“It gives these children something to carry through the rest of their lives,” he said. “Anytime people need help, artists like us always have our hand up to help.”
A second-time Rock Fore! Dough singer, Houser said he hopes attendees make great memories at the concert and fall even more in love with country music.
Performer Tyler Reeve, who had a part in writing various famous country hits, said he and the other entertainers were looking forward to a memorable night.
“Augusta is a town that’s near and dear to all of our hearts,” he said. “I know [Swindell] and I have been lucky enough to go play at the Masters, so to have something like this kick-off the week is special for us.”
Prior to Reeve, Houser and Swindell taking the stage, other act’s included DJ Rock and local band Black Dawg, characterized for their Led Zeppelin inspired sound.
With multiple food vendors surrounding the Lady Antebellum Amphitheater, attendees had plenty of hot and cold food options to enjoy as artists belted out songs and family members cheered from lawn chairs.
Local attendee and brother-in-law to one of Black Dawg’s members, Walter Worsham said he loved Rock Fore! Dough because the concert’s spirit truly represented the “meanings and values of golf” and First Tee’s mission to bring communities together.
“This is the best week of the year and this is a great way to celebrate the community and everybody coming into town,” he said.
Regularly attending the fundraiser since 2007, Worsham said he thoroughly enjoyed the event as it allows Augusta to “shine.”
“I just really want people to know what Augusta is really all about,” he said.
Traveling visitor from Nashville Derrick Pickvet said he was attending Rock Fore! Dough with some friends because he loves country music and is especially a fan of Randy Houser.
“Actually, when I was in high school, one of my first concerts ever was Brad Paisley and Randy Houser, so I’m excited to see Randy Houser again,” he said. “The artists being here without being paid is awesome too.”
A self-proclaimed golfer, Pickvet said he believed First Tee was a great charity that deserved community support, as the sport often becomes an enormous stress reliever for many players into adulthood.
“I think keeping young kids playing the game is how we allow it to survive into the future,” he said.
Augusta mom and country music fan Amanda Wehunz said she always encouraged friends to come out to Rock Fore! Dough as it provided a safe, fun environment with great music.
“This is actually my son’s first country concert, and he’s a huge Cole Swindell fan,” she said. “I come every year. I just love seeing all my friends and getting to enjoy being out here with everyone … it’s a great event.”
For more information on the First Tee of Augusta or to donate, visit: firstteeaugusta.org
