2nd Annual RawHyde Open golf tournament to give $4,000 in student scholarships

No doubt. The late Robert Hyde is beaming at the fact his friends raised enough money to award four $1,000 scholarships to Burlington and South Barber students who are continuing their education following high school graduation.

Two seniors from each school will receive a $1,000 scholarship based on the essay they write. Students are to write about their plans after high school and where they see themselves in 10 years. This year the students are to include why Hyde would feel they are deserving of a scholarship in his name.

Burlington's Class of 2017 includes his daughter Bayli where he and wife Marci made their home and she and Bayli still do. Many of the South Barber senior girls were on a softball team coached by Hyde. Obviously this is a most special year for awarding the scholarships. Hyde was raised in Kiowa and he graduated from South Barber High School.

The Story Behind the RawHyde Open

After Hyde died at the age of 53 in a vehicle wreck in February of 2013 his friends and golfing buddies organized the RawHyde Open golf tournament in 2015. Hyde's friends Jeff Black, Aaron Smith and Brock Thurman organize the golf tournament and also serve on the scholarship committee.

Before his death, every year around March, Hyde would go on a golf trip with some of his friends. Many times the destination was Shangri-La. Hyde was known for getting an eagle on the Mickey Mantle Hole – one of the hardest holes there – with his Railer.

Now his golfing buddies hold the RawHyde Open at the Turkey Creek Golf Course in Hennessey at the end of March where they also golfed with Hyde.

Marci said, "I enjoyed that everyone used Robert's Railer and tried to make a shot on Hole 9. Just wish I had the video of Brock Thurman illustrating how Rob used to hit. Bayli loved hearing `Rob Stories.' It was a great day. Always thankful for a day of `Remembering RawHyde.'"

Thurman's wife Kelly wrote on her Facebook page with pictures from the event, "It was cold and windy, but such a great day remembering a great man. The RawHyde tournament was so much fun! We miss you Robert!"

Hyde's friend and fellow softball player Steve Bolin now resides in Danielsville, Georgia. He's returned to play in both RawHyde Opens. Marci said all three Bolin brothers played this year.

Bolin said, "It's an honor to come (to the Open). I wouldn't miss it. Rob was a great man. He made us all a little better."

Marci said 15 teams played in the RawHyde Open this spring. The event had 44 different businesses/individuals as Hole Sponsors. She mentioned that Jack and Barbra Davis "made everyone a delicious meal." She said, "We truly appreciate the efforts of everyone."

At the 1st Annual RawHyde Open the tournament raised enough after expenses to award four $750 scholarships. Marci is pleased the amount grew to four $1,000 scholarships this year.

The team from BancCentral won the tournament when they shot a 60. Members are: Dustin Cook, Kevin Allison, Kaleb Kraft and Kyle Murrow.

Marci said, "The guys who had some of the best stories of the day because they had tons of Rob stories were Tom Summers, Johnny V, Boone and Russ Molz. They are also some really good golfers."

"Golf is a game that Rob loved and now a game that can be played in his memory and raise some money for scholarships," Marci said. "Robert would be so happy that scholarships will be given in his name." She said it means so much that the guys "are keeping Robert's memory alive." "I'm just thankful people remember the fun person Robert was, how much he was loved and liked giving back to others."