Mayor’s 9th Golf Classic Draws Record Field for Patriotic Day at Brookside
ASHLAND, Ohio — Brookside Golf Course pulled out all the stops Friday, welcoming a record field for one of the community’s most popular and sought-after golf outings, the 2026 Mayor’s Golf Classic.
Twenty-eight teams packed the course for the patriotic scramble, the largest turnout in the event’s history. Demand was so strong that organizers began turning teams away several weeks before the outing.
“This is our biggest yet,” Mayor Matt Miller told the golfers. “We have 28 teams, and we actually had to start turning people away several weeks ago. So maybe we have to buy a few more carts for next year.”
The event celebrated America’s 250th birthday and opened with Miller delivering a patriotic message about freedom, personal responsibility and the values that continue to shape the country.
“We’ve survived 250 years, and we’re still going strong,” Miller said. “Many of you are the men and women who actually keep these economies going in these local communities and across this state and nation. We thank you for all that you do to keep freedom alive in this great country.”
Miller’s wife, state Rep. Melanie Miller, then led those gathered in singing the national anthem before golfers headed to their assigned holes.
Brookside Continues to Thrive
Beyond the friendly competition, the classic highlighted Brookside Golf Course’s dramatic financial turnaround.
Miller said the city-owned course is performing extremely well and could generate approximately $1 million in revenue this year. That is a striking change from several years ago, when financial concerns raised questions about the course’s future.
“There was a thought that maybe the golf course would have to go away,” Miller said. “But thanks to your support, not just today, but throughout the year, that is the last thing that will happen in this great community, because the golf course is truly thriving.”
Miller also announced that the city recently accepted state-of-the-art golf simulators from CaddyShack. City officials are now searching for someone willing to help fund a proposed addition behind the pavilion, allowing Brookside to offer golf throughout the year.
The estimated cost of the project is between $125,000 and $150,000.
Big Prizes and Plenty of Fun
Golfers competed for thousands of dollars in prizes, including two hole-in-one opportunities. An ace on Hole 14 would have earned a Chevrolet Equinox from Bill Harris dealerships, while a hole-in-one on Hole 9 carried a $10,000 cash prize.
Golfers also competed for individual honors:
Mark Fitch won the longest-putt contest on Hole 6.
Reed Walsh finished closest to the pin on Hole 16.
Joshua Brooks recorded the longest drive on Hole 10.
Bennett Christie won the longest-drive competition on Hole 1.
Dustin Hustler sank the longest putt on Hole 18.
Jason Slay won the putting contest and a $100 Brookside Golf Course gift card.
Following the scramble, members of the city team prepared and served a meal before the winners were announced.
Team Bendon Publishing placed third with a score of 57. The team included Tyler Green, Zach Spicer, Eugene Johnson and Ryan Ohl.
Team Madison captured second place with a score of 54. Team members were Jeff Weight, Dave Grant, Tim Balm and Kip Madison.
Team Patel claimed the 2026 Mayor’s Golf Classic championship with a winning score of 52. The team included Jake Patel, Jason Slayball, Bo Bradshaw and Josh Brooks. The winners received $2,000 in Visa gift cards $500 for each player, along with Brookside Golf Course gift cards and trophies.
Miller thanked the Mayor’s Office staff, Amanda Ferman, the event volunteers, Brookside Superintendent Brent Cherry and the entire golf course crew for making the outing possible.
He closed the day with a challenge for Ashland’s community leaders to preserve the hometown values that continue to make the city special.
“Everything that made America a great nation is still alive and well right here in our own backyard,” Miller said. “Taking care of your neighbor, being a patriotic people that loves your veterans, keeping your streets safe and clean, and just being an overall kind place to raise your family, those things matter.”
The celebration concluded with a golf-ball drop near the putting green, putting an exclamation point on a record-setting day of golf, fellowship and patriotism at Brookside.
