Third Annual Fendo Open - Jeff Gans Memorial Tournament

Welcome to the Third Annual Jeff Gans Memorial Tournament, presented by Fendo Golf.

This annual event brings together family, friends, golfers, sponsors, and the Charlotte-area community for a day of competition, connection, and giving back. After a record-setting 2025 event with 250 guests and 132 golfers, we are excited to return to Rock Barn Country Club & Spa for another unforgettable day in support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The tournament is played in memory of Jeff Gans, who was taken far too soon by cancer in 2024 after an eight-year fight he met with strength, joy, and zero complaints. Jeff had a gift for bringing people together, making every room brighter, and turning ordinary moments into something worth celebrating. This event carries that same energy through his rallying cry: #JustLikeJeff.

This day is about much more than golf. Every raffle ticket, contest entry, sponsor dollar, and donation helps fund cancer research through the V Foundation, giving families more time together. That is the “why” behind the fun.

Bring the energy, lift each other up, and help us throw one hell of a party in his name, #JustLikeJeff would have wanted it.

Event Schedule

8:00–9:00 AM - Breakfast, Registration & Warm-Up
Breakfast will be served. Players can check in, grab their welcome items, warm up, and visit the In Motion Wellness “stretch zone” on the range.

9:15 AM - Opening Ceremony
A brief welcome, thank you to sponsors, and opening remarks before the round.

9:30 AM - Shotgun Start
Four-person scramble format. Teams will play from the best shot each stroke until the ball is holed.

12:00 PM - Lunch Served on the Course
Box lunches will be provided during the round.

~2:30 PM - Playoff Hole & Tito’s Putting Contest
After the round, the top two teams will head back to No. 18 for a one-hole playoff with all eyes on the finish. The Tito’s Putting Contest will take place on the practice green as players gather back in the courtyard.

2:30–4:00 PM - Courtyard Activations
Live music, drinks, vendors, merchandise, coffee, beer, raffle items, and post-round celebration in the courtyard.

4:00–5:00 PM - Awards, Raffle Collection & Closing Time
Please stick around for team awards, contest winners, raffle item collection, and closing remarks.

Format & Team Notes

This is a four-player scramble, stroke play format. Each team will select the best shot after every stroke and continue playing from that spot until the ball is holed.

Player Action Items

Walk-Up Song
We will have a DJ on-course. Please send one walk-up song per team for your tee-box arrival.

Tito’s Putting Contest
Each foursome should submit one player to represent the team in the Tito’s Putting Contest. The contest will take place on the practice green after the playoff hole as everyone gathers in the courtyard.

On-Site Activations

The courtyard will be the center of the post-round action with vendors, merchandise, coffee, beer, music, and drinks.

Raffle tickets will be available on-site, with items and select prizes valued up to $2,500. Proceeds benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Raffle winners will be drawn silently and notified by text, so please be sure to write down your phone number clearly and check your phone throughout the afternoon.

Food & Beverage

Breakfast and box lunches will be provided.

Beer and seltzers will be available on the course. Liquor will be available for purchase at the turn and from the beverage cart.

Rock Barn has been an incredible partner, so please show the beverage cart and club staff some love throughout the day.

Contests & On-Course Extras

Backswing Golf “Beat the Pro”

Closest to the Pin

Long Drive

$30,000 Hole-in-One Contest

Tito’s Putting Contest

Awards

Stitch Golf Grand Prize - Winning Team

Palm Golf Best Dressed - Foursome

“Just Like Jeff” Award - Individual who brings the best on-course vibes

The Why

This event exists to honor Jeff Gans and turn his spirit into real impact for families affected by cancer. Jeff embodied joy, energy, toughness, and connection. He made people feel welcome, kept things light, and brought the kind of presence that made every event better.

The Jeff Gans Memorial Tournament is our way of carrying that forward.

Thank you for showing up, celebrating Jeff’s life, supporting the V Foundation, and helping us make a dent in the fight against cancer.

Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.