Russ Hiser Memorial
Supporting Youth Golf in the Coulee Region Since 2010
Golf Tournament
We had an amazing event in 2023. Thank you to all our sponsors, participants, volunteers, and Cedar Creek.
We’ll see you in 2024!
Youth Golf Summer Program
FREE golf for kids in La Crosse this summer.
La Crosse Golf Team
FREE competitive golf program for La Crosse area youth.
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 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
2023 Update
On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Russ Hiser Memorial Fund, Inc., here is an update on what’s been happening over the past year.
Let’s begin by congratulating last year’s tournament winners, Dale Mueller and Mark Millis. We had an incredible turnout at our 10th Annual “Bullet” Memorial. Combine that with beautiful weather and success stories from individuals that have benefited from the Foundation’s work, and we left last year’s tournament financially sound, and our hearts filled with joy and a continued sense of accomplishment.
We are not known for resting on our laurels so be sure to see what we have added for this year’s tournament to make it more fun for everyone involved
Have you heard of SNAG Golf? It consists of a variety of easy and fun games to help get young children interested in the game. We purchased a kit last year to be used by Dave Taebel, UWL’s Women’s Head Golf Coach and here is what he had to say, “We had our first SNAG Golf Clinic in our new facility, and it went great! We got a lot of positive feedback and are looking forward to the rest of the sessions.” So far, dozens of kids have tried golf for the first time because of this program.
Our Free Golf Program continues to thrive. We cover the cost for youth in the Coulee Region – those going into 6th, 7th, and 8th grade – to play golf at local courses once they go through a golf fundamentals class. Those that pass the class are given a card that allows them to play golf without an adult. Those that do not pass the class are given a card that allows them to play golf with an adult and are provided information for youth golf clinics. All clinic participants are also given free range balls at Forest Hills to help them improve throughout 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. Given that our goal is to expose as many kids to golf as possible, having all these local courses on-board has proven to be extremely valuable when it comes to growing the game. In the future we will be exploring adding new courses to help expand our reach.
La Crosse Middle School Golf Team Update: The team had an incredible year last fall. Almost 40 kids participated, and the team won every match! Katie Schlegel took over the reigns as head coach and had some invaluable help from two wonderful assistant coaches. As you can imagine, working with 40 middle school kids is no easy task and we are very thankful to have had these individuals lead the team to such success.
None of this would be possible without your on-going participation and the support that we get from our wonderful sponsors.
We look forward to seeing you on May 21st to celebrate Russ and all the great things he has inspired this foundation to do for youth golf in the La Crosse area.
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