Russ Hiser Memorial
Supporting Youth Golf in the Coulee Region Since 2010
Our Story
The Russ Hiser Memorial Fund, Inc. was created to honor the memory of our friend and golfing buddy Russell “Bullet” Hiser. As a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, its purpose is to raise funds to support and advance youth golf in the La Crosse area.
Currently, the youth golf programs being supported and funded by the Russ Hiser Memorial Fund, Inc. are the La Crosse Middle School Golf Team, a fall competitive program, FREE golf clinics at Forest Hills, and FREE golf at 5 area courses – Forest Hills, Walsh Golf Center, Coulee Golf Bowl, Drugan’s Castle Mound, and Fox Hollow.
These programs are offered FREE of charge to all participants.
Russell "Bullet" Hiser
Golf Tournament
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Join us for a fun and competitive day of golf at Cedar Creek.
Youth Golf Summer Program
FREE golf for kids in La Crosse this summer.
Middle School Golf Team
FREE competitive golf program for La Crosse area youth.
2024 Update
Greetings from the Board of Directors at the Russ Hiser Memorial Fund!
We’re delighted to share the achievements and updates of the past year, and we’d like to start by applauding the champions of our last tournament, Michael Boogard and Vincent DeMarino. The 12th Annual “Bullet” Memorial was a resounding success with fantastic participation, splendid weather, and uplifting success stories from those who have been positively impacted by our Foundation. Thanks to these elements, we ended the tournament on a financial high note, with our spirits buoyed by joy and a reinforced sense of purpose.
In 2023, we introduced exciting new features including a $10,000 hole-in-one contest, elegant trophies for our winners, enhanced gift cards for prizes, and additional contests—all of which will make a comeback in 2024. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce Gross Skins to the skins game, adding an extra layer of excitement, funded by the Foundation.
Our Free Summer Golf Program has seen remarkable success. As of now, we’re nearly at full capacity, with all sessions in June fully booked. This program enables youth from the Coulee Region, entering 6th through 8th grades, to access golf at local courses after completing a golf fundamentals class. Graduates of this class earn a card enabling them to play unaccompanied by an adult, while others receive a card for accompanied play along with information on youth golf clinics—complete with complimentary range balls at Forest Hills to sharpen their skills over the summer.
The fundamentals class is available at Forest Hills and kids can play for free at Forest Hills, Walsh, Coulee Golf Bowl, Drugan’s, and Fox Hollow. The addition of SNAG Golf, engaging children through a variety of fun, accessible games, has been a tremendous hit under the guidance of Dave Taebel, UWL’s Women’s Head Golf Coach.
Our update on the La Crosse Middle School Golf Team is equally exciting. Under the new leadership of Katie Schlegel, with support from two fantastic assistant coaches, nearly 40 enthusiastic young golfers competed fiercely last fall. Managing such a spirited group is no small feat, and we are profoundly grateful to our coaches for steering the team to impressive achievements.
None of these initiatives could have flourished without your continued engagement and the generous support of our sponsors. We eagerly anticipate your presence on May 19th to honor Russ Hiser’s legacy and celebrate the tremendous impact his vision continues to have on youth golf in the La Crosse area.
Thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm.
See you on the greens!
Sincerely,
Tony Roberts
President, Russ Hiser Memorial Fund, Inc.
Thank You To Our 2023 Sponsors
Title Sponsor
“Russ had a great passion for the game of golf. He felt fortunate to have been introduced to the game at an early age and understood the importance of passing the game on. The Russ Hiser Memorial Fund will carry on Russ’ legacy as a passionate golf enthusiast. It will offer a wonderful opportunity to pass the game onto the next generation. Russ would have truly embraced this mission.”
– Russ’ lifelong friend, Chris Weiss