Dodger teammates support Justin Turner’s fifth annual golf classic
by Rowan Kavner
Justin and Kourtney Turner hosted their fifth annual Justin Turner Golf Classic on Monday at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, with proceeds benefiting children and families affected by illness as well as veterans in the Los Angeles area.
In total, 140 golfers took part in the event, and the Turners were especially thankful for the support from a number of teammates teeing off in the tournament.
“I can’t believe it’s already been five years of Justin and I hosting this tournament benefiting our foundation,” Kourtney Turner said. “It’s amazing to just see how much it’s changed over the years. We have such a great turnout. So many teammates came out to support Justin, and that just means the world. What we’re going to be able to do for veterans and children in need is just life-changing.”
Among the current Dodger players at the event were Corey Seager, Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, Ross Stripling, Austin Barnes, Joe Kelly, Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson and Clayton Kershaw, who was able to attend the event for the first time.
“JT, we talk about his work in the community and the different things he does for the city of LA, just what he means, he’s like the embodiment of a Dodger,” Kershaw said. “He’s just a great teammate. He continues to support us and what we do. We just feel like we need to do it for him, not to mention the causes they’re going to. A lot of great things he’s doing for the city of LA.”
Justin Turner said this year included every player getting a custom-designed Justin Turner Foundation wedge. On the course, there were three different hole-in-one opportunities — one for $50,000, one for $100,000 and a third in which a hole-in-one would get all four players in the group a BMW.
He said the event is getting bigger and better every year, which in turn helps more and more kids and veterans. The event included a silent auction, with plenty of teammates offering jerseys and autographs for the cause.
“We don’t take anything from the foundation,” Justin Turner said, “so every single penny that we raise is directly used to either raise more money or impact a kid and their family who’s in the hospital or getting homeless veterans off the street.”
