BCBSM RETIREE GOLFERS KEEP A TRADITION GOING

FOUR DECADES PLUS AND COUNTING!

In 1968, former BCBSM Vice President Joe Woosley, who was then President of Mississippi Blue Cross, invited a few Michigan Plan golfers down to Biloxi, Mississippi for a winter golf break. Eight Michiganders answered the call; Bob Reveley, Lou Silagy, Dick Patterson, John Lutz, Ted McConnell, Dick Goetz, John VanZandt and Rich Reveley.

Biloxi was a small sleepy town during the winter months in those days and for $65.00 each participant got four nights of accommodations, five days of unlimited golf (on two courses), golf carts for one round a day and dinner discounts. Ah yes, those dollar days are gone forever but the tradition of BCBSM employees, retirees and friends / relatives going to Biloxi for a winter golf break continues to this day. From eight total golfers then, most years now have up to thirty two golfers descending on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Joe kicked in a trophy for the golfers, suggested a contest or tournament, and "The Dixie Grits" was born.

Various individuals have organized the yearly affair (always in March & around St. Patrick's Day) but since 1987 a small group of Retiree Association men have brought the tournament to a new level of organization. Headed by Ron Price and assisted by Jack Dougherty, Howard Scheppler, Bob Schlack and Ron Massey, "The Dixie Grits" has become one of the best reasons to vacate the winter North Country for warm Southern green fairways. Golf, more golf, casino gambling, good eats and a whole lot of male bonding always makes it a week to remember!

Note: Because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and its resulting devastation in the Biloxi area, the Dixie Grits gathering has been moved to St. Augustine, Florida in recent years.  Time will determine whether this will be a permanent move or if a return to Biloxi will occur.

The 1996 "Dixie Grits" group photo

To Ron Price and his tournament assistants: Keep up the good work guys! "THE DIXIE GRITS" is an established annual event with a long history. You have left a ton of memories for a whole lot of golfers throughout the years.