Paxton Park Benefit Tournament Brings Golf Greats Back Home

Russ Cochran

Golf Greats and hometown fellas Russ Cochran, Kenny Perry and Freddie Sanders returned to Paducah Monday, September 14, for the annual Paxton Park Benefit Tournament.

With such sponsors as SuperValu and Bryant Law Center, the scramble brings out hundreds of players and fans, netting more than $20,000 in much-needed funds. Part goes to support golf programs at St. Mary, Community Christian Academy, Tilghman, Reidland, Heath and Lone Oak high schools, part goes to the park’s junior golf program and the rest supports park operations.

“A lot of us grew up playing golf out here,” says avid golfer and longtime tournament supporter Mark Bryant. “It’s expensive to maintain a big park like this, but it’s very important to keep the fees low so that anyone can afford to play here. We all want to do our part to give back to Paxton Park and ensure that younger generations have the same opportunities we did.”

Russ demonstrates his chip shot.

That’s certainly a sentiment shared by Russ (Senior PGA Tour Player), Kenny (PGA Tour Player) and Freddie (Pro Caddy). All three carve time out of their busy tour schedules to return to the park — at no charge — to support the tournament. Russ and Freddie grew up playing at Paxton Park, and Kenny joined in after moving to Paducah as a teenager. In fact, he and Paxton Park Golf Pro Danny Mullen played together on the Lone Oak High School golf team. 

“Kayo Mullen — Danny’s father and the pro here until he passed away — was a big influence on me,” Kenny says. “This is where I learned to play. I want to come back and help raise money for the course for as long as I can.”

“We’re here for the love of Paxton Park,” Russ adds.

Even longtime friends still ask for autographs!

“It’s pretty amazing when you think about it,” Freddie notes. “Paducah has had a guy who finished third in the senior U.S. Open (Russ) and a guy who came in second in the Masters this year (Kenny).”

The event begins with everyone in the community invited to gather at the driving range where Russ, Kenny and Freddie offer a golf clinic, swap stories and answer questions.

Afterward, foursomes and single players disperse throughout the course for 18 holes of golf, with the pros playing with each. The event culminates with lunch from Texas Roadhouse.

Paxton Park Golf Pro Danny Mullen with Pro Kenny Perry.

Freddie actually helped create the tournament as a tribute to Kayo Mullen. He plans to move his family from Colorado back to Paducah next year. “This is the best place in the world,” Freddie says. “People in the South are the friendliest by far. This is where I want to be.”

“It’s nice that these guys continue to come back, and we’re very grateful for the help,” Danny says. “Everyone is welcome here at Paxton Park. People mix, mingle and make friends here. Kids meet people who can help them out later in life. It’s a lot more than a golf course – it’s a community center.”

Kenny and Russ compare swings.

Kenny shows why he’s considered a master golfer.

More than 100 teams played during the morning. Mark Bryant’s team included Dr. Barbara Bowers, Mark, his wife Sue and Judge Chris Hollowell.