The Metroplex Civic & Business Association (MCBA) hosted its first Chairman’s Cup on September 24 at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, uniting 88 business leaders and their guests for a day of golf, fellowship, and charitable giving.
Supporting Community Programs and Anti‑Trafficking Efforts
Proceeds from the tournament will flow directly into MCBA’s civic‑engagement initiatives, with a portion earmarked for Untrafficked, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from human trafficking. Untrafficked trains volunteers to spot warning signs, assists law‑enforcement with credible tips, and connects survivors with recovery services covering prevention, identification, and ongoing care.
Local Sponsors and Family‑Friendly Celebration
Lead sponsors—including Augustine, Generational Group, Texas Security Bank, GTN Solutions, and Kensington Vanguard—helped make the event possible. After the round, participants enjoyed a barbecue, live music by Dallas songwriter Mitchell Ferguson, and an awards ceremony. Winners Zach Sams, Aaron Loose, Tyler Isbell, and David Lagat claimed the top spots without using a single mulligan, each receiving more than $6,000 in prizes such as custom‑made Bison coolers built in the United States.
A Unique Prize with Golf History
The tournament’s closest‑to‑the‑pin contest produced an unforgettable prize: a Masters‑era golf bag signed by legendary Dallas native Byron Nelson. The bag’s story began in April 2000 at Augusta National, where Israel Martinez, CEO of Axon Global Services, prayed beneath the iconic oak and later encountered Nelson on the first tee. Martinez purchased a bag in Nelson’s honor, hoping for a signature.
Two years later, a chance meeting at the Keller office of Martinez’s friend, chiropractor Dr. Darryl Laney, led to a personal encounter with Nelson. After helping the golf legend out of his car, Martinez reminded him of their Augusta meeting. Nelson signed the bag and added the years 1937 and 1942—his Masters victories—alongside his signature, noting the added value for future donation.
For more than two decades the bag remained in Martinez’s family until Peter and Kellee Strople connected him with the MCBA event. At the awards ceremony, Martinez presented the signed bag to tournament winner Shawn Mackie, who was described as an avid golfer since age ten and “teary‑eyed with gratitude.”
Family, Faith, and Community Impact
Martinez highlighted the personal significance of the donation, noting that giving the bag fulfilled his promise to Nelson and allowed his nine‑year‑old son to participate in a meaningful act of generosity. “My son and I did a proper good‑bye,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support a worthy cause.
The Chairman’s Cup exemplifies MCBA’s mission to encourage North Texas business leaders to engage in their communities—through volunteering, voting, and visible support of local nonprofits. By blending sport, philanthropy, and a touch of Texas golf heritage, the event reinforced the ties between commerce, faith, and family that strengthen the Dallas‑Fort‑Worth region.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
