Oct. 16, 2024
Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Lady Vols inspired young athletes from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley at the inaugural Girls Golf Clinic, which also marked the start of the 27th annual Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship.
The after-school clinic, held Oct. 16 at Cherokee Country Club, featured Ann Baker Furrow, the first female Vol golfer, as well as women’s golf head coach Diana Cantú and players from the team.
Participants heard from Cantú, Furrow, and her daughter, Lee Ann Furrow Tolsma, who also is Furrow Automotive president & CEO, before practicing their swings and receiving tips from the collegiate team. The event highlighted the positive impact of mentorship, importance of empowering young girls and role of sports in personal development.
“Watching these girls discover the game and work together was the best part of the afternoon,” Furrow Tolsma said. “This event is about more than just learning golf – it’s about inspiring girls to see what’s possible when they set big goals and work hard. I am honored to support this new event alongside my mother, Ann Baker Furrow, and the talented Lady Vols team.”
Furrow, the first female golfer at the University of Tennessee – she played on the men’s team in the mid-1960s because UT didn’t have a women’s team – is a trailblazer in women’s sports. She spearheaded the efforts in the early 1990s to establish Lady Vols golf as a sport at Tennessee.
“Golf has been a lifelong teacher, instilling values like patience, focus and resilience,” Furrow said. “Seeing these young women take their first swings and find joy in the game is a powerful reminder of how sports can shape lives and build confidence.”
The event also previewed the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship, set to take place Oct. 20-22 at Cherokee Country Club. As the final tournament of the women’s golf fall season, the championship will showcase top collegiate talent from around the country.
“This clinic was the perfect way to kick off the championship,” Cantú said. “It was a great opportunity for our players to give back and inspire the community, and we hope to see these girls continue to pursue their passion for golf and beyond.”
Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville is committed to empowering youth and fostering a love for sports in East Tennessee. The dealership has been a proud supporter of Tennessee Athletics, including through NIL partnerships with student-athletes across multiple sports.
About Furrow Automotive
Furrow Automotive is the parent company of Knoxville Motor Company, Knoxville Motor Company BodyWerks, Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville, Sprinter Knoxville, Land Rover Knoxville and the Chattanooga Auto Square. Known for excellence in customer service and dedication to the community, Knoxville Motor Company’s award-winning locations have proudly served Knoxville for more than 109 years. Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville is the J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Award winner for the third year in a row and a MBUSA Best of the Best Award winner. Learn more at furrowcars.com.
About Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Athletics is committed to fostering a tradition of excellence both on and off the field. Home to 20 varsity sports and more than 500 student-athletes, the University of Tennessee competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and strives to achieve success in academics, athletics and community service.
The Lady Vols program is recognized nationwide for its legacy of empowering women in sports, producing champions, and inspiring future generations of athletes. With a focus on developing well-rounded leaders, Tennessee Athletics is dedicated to creating a positive and lasting impact on its student-athletes, fans and the broader community. For more information, visit utsports.com.
