The events that fund the tower

Two events. Six scholarships.

Every scholarship the fund awards is powered by two events held during the Alabama Rural Water Association's Annual Technical Training Conference each March: a golf tournament running since 1997, and the fund's newest tradition, a cornhole showdown.

Since 1997

The J.A.G. Memorial Golf Tournament

The tournament that kicks off conference week. The 29th Annual played Sunday, March 15, 2026 on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill ("The Legislator" course) in Prattville. A post-flighted scramble across three flights: seasoned golfers and once-a-year swingers all welcome, with teams assigned by course staff.

Tournament day

How the day runs

10:00 a.m.: Tournament registration
10:30 a.m.: Putting competition
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on site
1:00 p.m.: Shotgun start

2026 pricing

Entry

$125: Utility player
$150: Exhibitor / company player
$150: Outside guest
$10: String Game + Power Drive add-on

Registration is part of the ARWA conference registration form. Proceeds benefit the John A. Garrett Scholarship Fund and are tax-deductible.

Every player gets

Included

18 holes with cart
Box lunch
1 mulligan and 1 toss
Entry to the putting competition
Prizes across three flights

Plus a shot at the hole-in-one prize on every Par 3, including a $15,000 grand prize.

The 2026 recap

Congratulations to the 29th Annual winners

First flight: Stokes, Lewis, Waddell, Smith
Second flight: Smith, Christian, Bryant, Flanagan
Third flight: Reese, Sachs, Fendley
Longest drive: Bo Coleman
Closest to the pin: Todd Dressman
Putting competition: John Cardona

Flight winners each took home a $75 gift card to any Robert Trent Jones course; skill winners earned trophies and Titleist golf balls. Lunch was sponsored by Ford Meter Box Company and the putting competition by Hawkins, Inc.

The wall of sponsors

2026 was carried by these companies

Tournament Sponsor: Cornerstone H2O. And a field of hole and team sponsors whose names belong up here the same way recipients' names belong on the tower.

The tournament runs on the year-round volunteer work of its steering committee: Kevin Smith (Neptune Technologies), Nick Bryant (G & C Supply Company), and Todd Keffaber (Ford Meter Box).

New in 2026

Toss for a Cause

The fund's newest annual tradition: a partner-format, bracket-style cornhole tournament and evening social on the Monday of conference week, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the ARWA Exhibit Hall. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, cold drinks, and plenty of laughs included; entry was $30 per player in 2026, with every dollar raising money for the scholarships.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just tossing for fun, grab a partner, bring your A-game, and toss some bags for a great cause.

Players competing in the cornhole tournament at the ARWA conference

The crowd enjoying the cornhole social at the ARWA conference

Next year

Play, toss, or put your name on a hole.

Both events return each March during the ARWA Annual Technical Training Conference, with dates, registration, and sponsorship packages announced through Alabama Rural Water Association channels. Sponsor categories include Hole, Tournament, Team Choice, and Lunch; reach out and we will get you this year's details.

Ask about the next events (334) 396-5511

Proceeds fund the six $750 scholarships awarded every year: two recipients from each of Alabama's three regions. See how the money moves or meet the people it reaches.