In honor of friend, E.B. Foundation supplies Lady Lynx with golf equipment
Jill Meier/BV Journal
Three friends started the E.B. Foundation in memory of their friend. They raise funds through an annual golf tournament to purchase equipment for high school golf teams, which includes the Brandon Valley girls.
The Lady Lynx golf program has some new bling to start off their 2024 season. And the credit goes to a group of guys honoring their buddy.
Before practice got underway last Thursday, Chris Gustafson, Jason Schutz and Woody Krommendyke supplied each of the 25-member team in grades 7-12 with Brandon Valley-branded gloves, hats, polo shirts and a supply of golf balls for the spring season.
The donation was made possible by the E.B. Foundation, which the three men established in honor of their friend, Elliot Batcheller, who passed away three years ago. As they shared, Batcheller had a huge love for the game of golf, and a soft spot for kids. The Foundation’s mission – “To grant every child the opportunity to learn, develop, and enhance life skills through the game of golf” – is what led to the first of many donations to the Lynx girls’ golf program to come.
The four men – Gustafson, Schutz, Krommendyke and Batcheller – became friends while living in Worthington, Minn. The Foundation’s connection to Brandon Valley is Gustafson, whose daughter, Sage, is a member of the Lady Lynx golf team.
This July will be the third annual E.B. Foundation Scramble in Worthington. The July 27 golf event is the lone event from which the Foundation raises money to outfit young golfers with equipment to help grow their love for the game.
“The money we raise at that event, we give back to you,” Krommendyke told the BV girls. “We want you to get out on the golf course and enjoy it, and we hope to see you every year to give you equipment.”
The payback, the three men shared, is to see the youth golfers improve their game.
“On behalf of our team and coaching staff, thank you for choosing us amongst the many school districts you could be doing this for,” BV head coach Craig Nelson said. “Again, thank you.”
The Worthington High School girls’ golf program has also benefitted from the E.B. Foundation. Last year, they were provided with golf bags, hats, range finders, polo shirts and golf balls.
Along with the golf tournament, the equipment donations were also made possible by their friend, Tad Leistico, who is affiliated with Srixon Golf and Cleveland Golf.
“As the coach told us, he receives a budget and has to buy golf balls and other equipment. Now, he can use that budget for other things,” Gustafson said. “We’re a 501c3, so we give back everything that we take in.”
Registration forms for this year’s E.B. Foundation Scramble can be found on the Foundation’s Facebook page. The Foundation welcomes sponsorships and donations. If interested, email chris-gustafson@gmail.com.
