With the assistance of golf icon Jack Nicklaus, a group of standout athletes from the University of Oklahoma raised $10,000 for Autism Oklahoma during a celebrity shootout at the Compliance Solutions Championship.
As tournament leader John Pak finished his round on the 18th green, spectators gathered at hole 10 to witness a competitive showdown between former Sooner football stars Curtis Lofton, Teddy Lehman, and Dusty Dvoracek against counterparts Desmond Mason, Robin Ventura, and Bryndon Manzer representing Oklahoma State.
A coin toss determined which team would represent each charity, with the Folds of Honor organization selecting the Cowboys, leaving the Sooners to compete on behalf of Autism Oklahoma.
During a pre-match press conference, players discussed their strengths. Lofton emphasized his improved short game, drawing a humorous comparison to Nicklaus’s legendary putting prowess. Dvoracek jokingly cited the enjoyment he brings to the game but noted his short game as his main contribution to the scramble format.
The competition began with Dvoracek launching a powerful drive down the fairway, setting up a strong start for the Sooners, clinched by Lehman sinking a birdie putt on the first hole, earning $5,000 for Autism Oklahoma. They continued their momentum on the next hole, with Lofton sinking another birdie putt to extend their lead to 2-0 and raise an additional $5,000.
On the shortened 17th hole, the Cowboys capitalized on the Sooners’ difficulty finding the green, securing their first win of the afternoon. Both teams reached the green on the 18th hole, but missed putts by the Sooners allowed the Cowboys to sink a birdie putt, tying the match at 2-2.
To break the tie, a chip-off was held at the green’s edge, with Nicklaus taking a mulligan shot for both teams. Despite home crowd pressure and competitive shots from both sides, the Cowboys emerged victorious when Nicklaus narrowly missed a winning putt for the Sooners.
Despite the outcome, Lofton, Dvoracek, and Lehman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support a worthy cause.
“Events like these highlight the importance of charity in our community,” Dvoracek remarked. “The support from Jack and the involvement of these great charities make a significant impact.”
