Written by Helen Strickland
Men’s social club TNT is hosting a golf tournament to honor the late Avery Martin, a senior TNT member who died in October 2024. Following Martin’s passing, a memorial fund was started in his name. TNT plans to contribute to this fund by donating proceeds from the tournament to the Avery Martin Memorial Fund. The tournament will take place April 13 — the Sunday of Spring Sing weekend — at 12:30 p.m.
Junior Tucker Steed spoke of the heart behind the event, explaining that Martin enjoyed golfing.
“This event was inspired by the club’s love for Avery and his love for golf,” Steed said. “Avery was a guy that anyone could get along with, and I think that’s because he enjoyed the things that everyone enjoyed. He loved ministry, golf and football, which meant that any of the guys in our club could find a way to relate to him.”
The idea began with junior Zane Dulin and his friends. TNT traditionally hosts a golf tournament during the spring semester, and Dulin proposed that this year’s tournament be aimed at honoring Martin and raising money for his memorial fund.
Dulin said golf uniquely bonded TNT members and made their community stronger.
“Golf absolutely brings people together in a way that not a lot of sports do,” Dulin said. “We have a lot of guys in TNT that love to play golf together, and last semester we would all go out once a week and draw teams to play a scramble. It really just brought everyone closer together while playing something that we all love. I’m glad that we are able to honor Avery and his legacy by getting to create more fun memories on the course with our friends in honor of him.”
Junior Joey Hobbie has also helped organize the event, and he explained its impact on him.
“This event means a lot to me,” Hobbie said. “I played golf with Avery three times a week, and I am so glad that we are getting to do this to honor him and to raise some money for his scholarship fund.”
As the golf tournament costs money to host, TNT aims to meet those costs before the tournament date so that all tournament proceeds may be donated to the memorial fund. TNT contacted several Searcy businesses to find ways to raise money for the tournament. One fundraiser they hosted was a “dine to donate” night at Texas Roadhouse on April 8 from 5-9 p.m. When diners showed the tournament flyer at the restaurant, 10% of their meal’s proceeds went to TNT and their efforts to host the golf tournament and honor Martin.
Hobbie said the tournament is open to everyone, and people who do not plan to participate can still donate money to the fund.
TNT sponsor Garrett Escue spoke of the greater goals of the tournament.
“I think we just wanted to continue that outpouring of love for [Martin] and for his parents, for his family, and then be able to honor his legacy for years to come,” Escue said.
Steed emphasized the importance of community within TNT and the ways this tournament reflects that.
“This event is a testament not only to the love that TNT has for Avery, but also the bonds that we have with each other,” Steed said. “Included in our club verse is the line ‘Honor one another above yourselves.’ (Romans 12:10-11) The collective efforts of the club to organize and raise money for this effort showed that this is not just a slogan, but a lifestyle. It makes me proud to be in TNT.”
Escue also spoke highly of Martin’s character and his impact on TNT.
“He was super, super inspirational, and just an ideal man of God, and that’s what TNT is hoping to be like, and to emulate, to replicate,” Escue said. “And I think in many ways, we’re just trying to match what Avery gave to us and try to give that to other students.”
Golf teams may enter the tournament by registering with a $500 entry fee, and anyone is welcome to register. A QR code is available below for those who wish to sign up for the golf tournament.
