Fallen Oak hosts 2nd Annual Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational

Some of the best college golfers in the country are on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as they compete in the 2nd Annual Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational.

The greens in Saucier were flooded with a select group of the nation’s top golf programs from the SEC, Big Ten, Big Twelve, Sun Belt, Mountain West, and American Conferences.

Southern Miss Golf Coach Eddie Brescher is one of the event’s three hosts, alongside Ole Miss Coach Chris Malloy and Mississippi State University Coach Dusty Smith.

Brescher tells WXXV News 25 what makes Fallen Oak stand out above the rest.

“Having the support of the Beau Rivage and Fallen Oak and MGM behind us in fantastic. The resources that they provide and the resources they have are first class from top to bottom, so having their support for this event is a little bit different from some of the other collegiate events that we compete in,” said Brescher. “It’s everything from the little details of the jumbotrons to the quality of the golf course and the food. It checks all the boxes.”

The thirteen colleges participating in the tournament aren’t the only ones benefiting from the scenary.

A portion of the proceeds from the invitational go towards the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Mississippi.

A few of the club kids were camped out at Hole 18 as they enjoyed the golf tournament.

This is an amazing opportunity that you guys have presented to our kids. This is the first time a lot of them have even been on a golf course let alone participate in a golf tournament,” said Tonya Brown, the director of operations with the Boys and Girls Club. “When we pulled up, I think this is much more than they expected. This is a beautiful golf course and we’re just happy to be here.”

“It’s an amazing experience being able to come out and support the club getting to see new things and learn about things because I’ve never gone to a golf tournament before so it’s my first time,” said Trevion Allen, a member of the Boys and Girls Club. “So I’m just excited to be here and taking it all in.”

“I’m just excited that they allowed us come experience the game,” said Connor Gail, a member of the Boys and Girls Club. “That they allow us to come over here for free and I just appreciate what we’re doing.”