By Stan Olenik, Editor-Publisher, The Golf Club

What began more than two decades ago as a friendly golf showdown between Greenville and Spartanburg counties has grown into one of the Upstate’s most spirited charity events. The Cyder Cup, a local nod to the Ryder Cup, now fuels a mission far larger than bragging rights — supporting First Tee — Upstate South Carolina.

The first Cyder Cup was held at River Falls Plantation in 2004, thanks to professional Terry Johnson and his wife Joy, whose enthusiasm gave early structure to the idea. Founders Taylor Hough, Mike Byce, and Fran Dunn of the First Tee of Spartanburg teamed with Robbie Gravley of the Greenville County Golf Association to field the inaugural teams and secure a trophy that looked just enough like the Ryder Cup to inspire the name.

From the start, the format mirrored golf’s grandest team event — Greenville vs. Spartanburg in two days of foursomes, four-balls, and singles. Yet Spartanburg’s side added a twist: players were asked to raise money for the First Tee program that teaches youth life skills through golf’s values. A few years later, Greenville caught on, thanks largely to longtime participant Terry Willis, who took over as captain and helped build the fundraising culture that remains today.

On the Spartanburg side, captains such as Todd Whitehead and Brian Kennedy helped shepherd the event into its modern form.

Kennedy — believed to be the only golfer to have participated either as a player or sponsor in all 21 Cyder Cups — has watched it evolve from a friendly competition that raised a few thousand dollars into a community-wide drive generating tens of thousands annually.

“In the beginning people thought of it as just another golf tournament. It took a little while for the idea that this was more than just raising money for kids to play golf. Once people understood it wasn’t about teaching golf swings but teaching life skills,” Kennedy said, “they wanted to be part of it.”

When both Upstate chapters came together under Executive Director Michael Pius, a well-run volunteer organization gained a professional leader. While the heavy lifting for the Cyder Cup fundraising was still done by the participants, having a dedicated professional organization in the community gave the event new visibility and credibility. The unification of the Greenville and Spartanburg programs into First Tee — Upstate South Carolina became a turning point for growth.

Since then, the event has soared — this year alone raising more than $48,000 from over 120 donors.

While no official “Most Valuable Golfer” award exists, Andy Mitchell of Greenville might have earned that title in 2025. He did his best on the course to help Greenville win, but he also led all fundraisers — personally bringing in over $8,000 in sponsorship’s and donations. Together with Greenville teammate Matt Mead, the duo accounted for more than $17,000 toward the total.

“It hits home,” Mitchell said. “The First Tee sometimes gets a bad rap that there’s not enough golf, but what it really supports is character and opportunity — lessons I want my own kids to grow up with.”

This year’s Cyder Cup was played on two courses. The Saturday opening rounds were played at Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg while Thornblade Club in Greenville hosted the final round on Sunday giving Cyder Cup golfers two exceptional venues to play.

Among the Cyder Cup’s final round matches one featured the two county amateur champions from last summer. Spartanburg’s County Amateur Champion Brad Thorne and Greenville’s County Amateur Champion Danny Brock. In a see-saw match Thorne prevailed with a 2&1 victory.

Spartanburg now leads the all time series by one victory over Greenville with one tie.

In the team standings, Spartanburg surged on the final day’s singles matches to secure a convincing 20–11 victory, keeping county bragging rights. But when the matches ended and the last check was counted, there were no losers — just hundreds of young lives benefiting from another successful year of giving.

As Kennedy put it, “We started out raising enough to buy shirts. Now we’re helping kids build futures. That’s a cup worth playing for.”

Scores from the 21st Cyder Cup Matches https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11874510980329294578