Having grown up around hunting and fishing in the Ozarks, the Executive Vice President of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame a few years ago wanted to create an event for the area’s gun enthusiasts.
It’s been as appealing – and successful – as he envisioned.
The Sporting Clays Classic sponsored by Killian Construction and presented by Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its fifth annual event on Friday, Sept. 9 with morning and afternoon sessions of four-person teams. The host site is the Ozarks Shooters Complex in Walnut Shade, about halfway between Springfield and Branson on U.S. 65.
“I knew we could grow it. But it’s like anything – that first one is the hardest,” said Marty Willadsen, Executive Vice President of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Many Hall of Fame events are centered around celebrity golf classics, making the Sporting Clays Classic one of the most unique on the calendar.
“I didn’t grow up in the golf world,” Willadsen said. “I grew up around hunting and fishing. Golf took off with Tiger Woods in the late 90s, and I was in my late 30s by that time. But so many people are brought up hunting and fishing that (the Sporting Clays Classic) was just a natural fit.”
Four-person teams are being reserved for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. sessions. Morning registration begins at 8 a.m. and includes a continental breakfast, with lunch and afternoon registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. An auction and raffle will follow, and awards ceremony presented by Coors Light ends the day.
Each entrant receives 100 clays, a logoed event pullover, event logoed camouflaged cap and a Plano Shot shell box. Trophies will be awarded in flights, and the auction and raffle grand will be a Remington model 870 shotgun.
Team entry fee is $500, or $150 for an individual shooter. To sign up, call the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 417-889-3100.
Associate sponsors receive on-course signage. Station and team sponsorships also are available.
