Links for the Lost Coast Charity Golf Tournament
A day of community, creativity, and connection on the coast
Some events come together quickly. Others take shape over time—built on conversations, shared goals, and a deep love for community. The Links for the Lost Coast Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by the Lost Coast Tourism Association, was firmly the latter.
Planning began back in October 2025, led by the thoughtful and determined efforts of Aurora Maier, Wendy Ball, and Julie Peacock. What started as an idea—to create something fun, welcoming, and impactful—quickly grew into something much bigger: a tournament designed not just for golfers, but for the entire community, with local nonprofits at its heart.
From the beginning, one thing was clear: this event needed to give back. Aurora reached out across the region, inviting nonprofits to participate—not just as beneficiaries, but as part of the experience itself. The response was strong, and nine organizations, (with a waitlist for more!) joined in, each bringing their own personality to the course.
By the time Sunday, April 19th arrived at the Shelter Cove Golf Links, the momentum was undeniable. The tournament had officially sold out with 18 teams, drawing participants from across Humboldt County—Redway, Garberville, Miranda, Whitethorn, Benbow and Petrolia—as well as players traveling from as far as Los Angeles.
The morning kicked off at Gyppo Ale Mill, a proud host and partner for the event, perfectly situated on the ninth hole. Registration felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal check-in. Coffee from Black Sands Bistro, fresh poppy seed muffins made by Wendy Ball, and a lively crowd set the tone early. Players picked up swag bags filled with local goodies, including contributions from Joe’s Pot Shop, and got ready for a day that would be anything but traditional.
This wasn’t your standard round of golf.
Played in a Chapman Pinehurst format, each hole offered something different. Two teams of four rotated through the course, and at every stop, a nonprofit hosted a themed experience. The creativity was everywhere—Day of the Dead setups, Route 66-inspired challenges, Live Music, Garberville Rodeo energy, and more. Each hole became its own moment, its own memory.
Out on the course, Shelter Cove Adventure Rentals kept spirits high as the roaming golf cart bar, bringing beverages directly to players and adding to the relaxed, social energy of the day.
And then there was Hole 9.
With Gyppo as the backdrop, a small crowd gathered as a shot took shape that had everyone leaning in. A “magical” ball—given by RID Board President Mike Silouri—sailed in clean and true, landing just inches from the hole. For a moment, it felt like it might happen. A hole-in-one. You could feel the pause, the anticipation, the collective hope. It didn’t drop—but it didn’t need to. The moment itself was enough, one of those shared experiences that people will be talking about long after the scorecards are forgotten.
After a full day on the course, everyone made their way back to Gyppo, where the event shifted into celebration mode.
A barbecue spread—included with every ticket—welcomed players in at Gyppo, featuring grass-fed burgers, house-made potato salad, coleslaw, lemonade, and iced tea. It was the kind of meal that felt both elevated and deeply local, shared among friends after a full day on the course. The spread was topped off with a gorgeous strawberry sheet cake from Mary Jo and Black Sands Bistro, which quickly became a crowd favorite.
Following the meal, the energy carried into a lively silent auction that was truly a highlight of the day. Wendy Ball put her heart into curating an incredible collection of items, creating an experience that felt thoughtful, generous, and distinctly community-driven. A standout was Taste of the Cove, put together by Luke Sack, Bruce and Beth Christie, and Laura Ball. The auction also featured contributions from Lisa’s Hair, J Café, Mary Neufeld, Black Sands Massage, Shelter Cove Adventure Rentals, Oceanview Hot Tubs, C’mon Sportfishing, the Holistic Haven, Bear River Casino, and Coastal Credit Union.
The biggest prize of the day—a two-person trip with Seahawk Sport Fishing—went to first-place winners Justin Graham and Josh Orion, whose names will now be engraved on the tournament’s trophy.
By the end of it all, the event raised $2,000, which will be distributed among the participating nonprofits.
This tournament wasn’t just about golf—it was about connection.
It was about the volunteers staffing each hole, the laughter shared between teams, and the collective effort of a community showing up for one another. It was about the weather holding out just long enough—a beautiful Sunday, followed by rain the next morning, as if perfectly timed.
A special thank you goes out to the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District golf maintenance team for preparing the course so beautifully, and to every sponsor, donor, and participant who helped make the day possible. Coastal Credit Union provided key sponsorship support that helped bring the event together.
And most of all, to Aurora Maier, Wendy Ball, and Julie Peacock, whose leadership, organization, and dedication turned an idea into a sold-out, meaningful event.
Participating Nonprofits
- Cove Connect
- Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice
- Garberville Rodeo
- Shelter Cove Property Owners Association
- Shelter Cove Arts & Recreation Foundation (SCARF)
- Garberville Chamber of Commerce
- Shelter Cove Pickleball Club
- Healy Senior Center
- Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Preservation Society
Events like this are part of a bigger mission.
The Lost Coast Tourism Association continues to create experiences that bring people together while supporting the region—through events like the Lost Coast Film Festival, the Storm Runner Race, and now the Links for the Lost Coast Charity Golf Tournament.
And they’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for the upcoming Soap Box Derby—and more opportunities to be part of something uniquely Lost Coast.
Like what you see? Enjoy the kind of events happening here on the Lost Coast?
Events like this don’t happen by accident—they’re built through community effort, local leadership, and the support of people who care about this place.
If you’re part of the business community, consider becoming a member of the Lost Coast Tourism Association. We offer membership options designed to help you stay connected while supporting initiatives that bring people to the region and strengthen our local economy. Click Here to Learn About Members and to Become a LCTA Member today!
Not a business? You can still be part of it. Donations of any size—from $5 to $1 million 😂 —help make events like this possible. Every contribution goes directly toward creating more opportunities to gather, celebrate, and support our community.
Use the button below to donate today!
Because when this community comes together, it doesn’t just create events—it creates something lasting.