There were a lot of birdies made Monday during the Ely Callaway Golf Event at Highland Country Club, but the biggest overall winner was West Georgia Hospice.

The hospice, which is a division of WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, has been the benefitting from the tournament for 22 years. This year’s tournament, which featured 26 teams and around 150 players, continued that tradition.

Each four-person team was paired with a golf professional — most of them from country clubs in Georgia — to create a five-person scramble. The Medicine Cabinet’s team of Blake Meeks, Kyle Lovejoy, Alan Crawford and Daniel Close won first place.

Tammy Forbus, who serves on the committee that organizes the tournament, said proceeds go toward helping people pay for hospice care, medications and final wishes.

“Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard to provide special care that is individualized for each patient and their family,” Forbus said. “Every day, we see the difference these funds make ¬ helping provide special moments, last wishes, medications, or equipment; or providing our wonderful hospice care to someone who has no insurance or other form of payment.  Because of all of the supporters here, we can provide this care regardless of the person’s ability to pay.  We are so grateful for the incredible support we receive from our community that allows our hospice to make the final weeks and months of life the best it can be for those we serve.”

Forbus said approximately $1.5 million has been raised through the tournament over the years.

Dr. William Fackler and Mrs. Marjorie Fackler were the honorees of this year’s tournament. Marjorie was one of the first volunteers when West Georgia Hospice began in 1982. Dr. Fackler is a retired cardiologist who provided hospice care to patients before hospice became a formal concept. Bill and Jean Ayers have also been longtime organizers of the tournament.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia was the presenting sponsor.