With the help of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a group of Sooner standouts raised $10,000 for Autism Oklahoma in a celebrity shootout at the Compliance Solutions Championship. This charitable event brought together an exciting mix of sports legends and fans, all rallying behind an important cause. The funds raised—$10,000 for Autism—went directly to Autism Oklahoma, supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those on the autism spectrum.
As tournament leader John Pak walked off the green of hole 18, spectators flocked to hole 10 to watch a thrilling Bedlam battle beneath the towering bur oaks at Jimmie Austin’s golf course. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a sense of camaraderie and competition as two teams of former Oklahoma and Oklahoma State athletes went head-to-head in the charity event. The competition wasn’t just about golf—it was about giving back and making a difference for Autism Oklahoma.
Former football standouts Curtis Lofton, Teddy Lehman, and Dusty Dvoracek represented the Sooners, while Desmond Mason, Robin Ventura, and Bryndon Manzer played for the Cowboys. The friendly but competitive nature of the match created a fun environment where everyone was eager to support the cause. A coin flip was used to decide which team would represent the two charities in the fundraiser. A representative from the Folds of Honor organization won the flip and chose the Cowboys, leaving the Sooners to play for Autism Oklahoma.
In a press conference before the match, the players were asked what the best part of their games were. Lofton, who had spent considerable time practicing his short game on the greens, said, “I don’t know if I can bend over as much as Jack does when he putts – my back’s a little rough – but I think putting has been really good for me and hopefully the long ball is pretty good, too.” Dvoracek, known for his sense of humor, joked that the best part of his game was the fun he brought to the event. However, he later acknowledged that his short game might be his best contribution in the scramble.
That wasn’t the case on the first hole, though.
The ESPN commentator and former defensive lineman started off the match with a rocket down the fairway that put the Sooners in an excellent position to jump to an early lead. Lehman closed the hole with a birdie putt, earning the win and $5,000 toward Autism Oklahoma. The team’s early success was a promising sign, not only for their chances of winning but also for the positive impact they were making on behalf of Autism Oklahoma.
Lehman followed up on the next hole with a solid tee shot, but it was Lofton who closed out the hole with another birdie putt, giving the Sooners a 2-0 lead. This victory raised another $5,000 for Autism Oklahoma, bringing their total contribution to $10,000. It was an exciting moment, as the athletes realized that their efforts were directly benefiting an important cause.
On a shortened hole 17, the Sooners struggled to find the green, which gave the Cowboys an opportunity to capitalize on the situation and secure their first victory of the afternoon. Despite the set-back, the Sooners kept their heads in the game, knowing that every hole and every shot still mattered for the charity they were supporting.
Both teams drove to the back of the green on the 18th hole, with tension building as the match approached its conclusion. The Sooners had a couple of opportunities to close the match, but they rimmed out two putts, opening the door for the Cowboys to make a birdie putt and tie the match 2-2. The tie-breaker would be decided by a chip-off, a dramatic and tense moment that added to the excitement of the event.
Both teams were given a Jack Nicklaus mulligan for the previous holes, so the legendary golfer took a shot for each team in the tie-breaker. Despite jeers and heckles from the OU home crowd, the Cowboys started the competition with a few fairly close shots, putting pressure on the Sooners. Thanks to a couple of bad rolls off the green, Jack Nicklaus had the final shot to win it for the home team.
“The Golden Bear” nearly holed it in for the Sooners, but his putt just missed the pin, allowing the Cowboys to claim victory. Though the Sooners didn’t take home the win, the overall outcome was still a tremendous success, as the event raised $10,000 for Autism Oklahoma.
Despite the loss, Lofton, Dvoracek, and Lehman were all thrilled to have had the opportunity to raise money and support such a meaningful cause. “Whether it’s auctions you go to, celebrity golf tournaments, whatever it is, charities help so many people in so many different ways,” Dvoracek said. “Without Jack showing up or these different great charities being a part of this, it wouldn’t happen… I can’t say thank you enough to all the people that made this happen and helped support these great charities.”
The event was a shining example of how sports figures can use their platform to make a positive impact. The money raised—$10,000 for Autism Oklahoma—will go a long way in helping the foundation continue its work to support individuals and families affected by autism. Everyone involved in the event, from the athletes to the spectators, contributed to the success of the fundraiser, making it a day to remember for both the participants and those who will benefit from the funds raised.
Take the First Step Toward Quality Care with Rainbow ABA Therapy
If you’re seeking top-notch support for your child, Rainbow ABA Therapy offers personalized, compassionate ABA therapy. Our expert team is dedicated to providing effective, evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual’s needs. With a commitment to helping children thrive, we focus on fostering independence, improving social skills, and enhancing daily living skills. Ready to make a positive change? Contact us today to learn more about how our ABA therapy can support your child’s development and growth.
