Southwestern Adventist University’s 28th annual tournament drew its largest field ever as the Byron Robinson Educational Foundation’s $30,000 match was met and surpassed.

KEENE, Texas. Under clear skies and crisp, picture-perfect autumn weather, Southwestern Adventist University hosted its 28th annual Knights Golf Classic on Monday, October 19, 2026, at The Retreat Golf Course in Cleburne, Texas. The day proved to be the most successful in the tournament’s history, welcoming a record number of players and raising a record $67,235 in support of the University’s First in Family Scholarship.

Golfers began arriving at 6:15 a.m., greeted personally by SWAU President Nelu Nedelea at the entrance, while a team of SWAU students welcomed participants and managed the check-in table. Twenty-three teams and ninety players took to the course for the 8:00 a.m. shotgun start.

The morning program opened with prayer led by Chief Jay Kidd, Chief of the Keene Police Department. Dr. Tom Bunch then shared a brief history of the event, noting that this year marked the 28th Knights Golf Classic, a milestone reflecting nearly three decades of steadfast community support.

President Nedelea recognized the Byron Robinson Educational Foundation and was honored to announce that the Foundation had pledged to match every gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $30,000. Not only was the challenge met, it was surpassed, with the event raising a total of $67,235. Dr. Clé Holly of the Byron Robinson Educational Foundation was present throughout the day, greeting and meeting friends of the University.

The University also recognized its Champion Level Sponsors, including Jonathan Nunnaley, who serves on the University’s Board of Trustees, and Texas Health Huguley Hospital, a long-standing partner of Southwestern Adventist University. Their leadership-level support reflects a deep and enduring commitment to the University and its students.

Johanna Penick, Director of Development, recognized the donors and sponsors whose partnership made the day possible and whose generosity sustains the First in Family Scholarship, a fund that helps students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education at Southwestern Adventist University.

“This day belongs to our donors, sponsors, and players. Their partnership opens the door to a Christ-centered education for students who are the first in their families to attend college, and we are deeply grateful for every one of them,” said Johanna Penick, Director of Development.

With record-breaking participation and the most money ever raised, this year’s Knights Golf Classic stood as a testament to the mission and the community that surround Southwestern Adventist University.