Back in 1994, the Kenny Brothers were looking for a way to get old friends together for an annual gathering...
...And thus began what is now known as the Kenny Classic Charity Golf Tournament. Back in the spring of 1994, Chris and Tim - living in northern Vermont and southwestern Massachusetts respectively, had come to the realization that with all that was happening with friends and family - marriage, kids, jobs, moves, etc. - that getting time with the important people in life was getting harder and harder to come by. They wanted to create an event that would become an "annual gathering place" for friends and family. Golf seemed to be a common denominator across the board, so it was decided that a golf tournament (with the very tongue-in-cheek title) would be the approach they would take.
As the planning took shape for the initial event, the Kenny Boys thought it might be a nice output of the gathering if some revenue could be generated for a worthwhile charity. Diabetes had hit the family quite hard - particularly with their dad, Bob Kenny - so they thought a charity related to this disease would be a meaningful connection. They did a little more research, and found two camps for children in the state of Massachusetts that offered specialized programming and education for diabetics - the Joslin Camp for Boys, and the Clara Barton Camp for Girls. It was a perfect fit, and the decision was made to direct all proceeds to one of these camps every year.
The initial Kenny Classic took place on July 21, 1994, at Cedar Knob Golf Club in Somers, Conn., and if ever an event's expected "annual" status was to be tested, it was in this initial outing. The first Classic hosted a field of 31 golfers, but only 25 were able to complete the round. The reason? Heavy rain, wind, and cool temperatures turned Cedar Knob into a survival course! By mid-round, there was standing water on several greens. For those who witnessed it, KC I Champion Bob Kelley's 81 in those conditions stands as the greatest round of golf this event has yet to see (see scoreboard)! A nice post-tournament party took place at the home of Tim and Jacquie Kenny, and precedent was set (see photos!).
The following year, Mother Nature again put the annual existence of the Kenny Classic to the test, as she scorched the tournament field with 103 F temperatures on July 20, 1995. There were only 29 golfers able to finish this torturous trip around Cedar Knob (see scoreboard), with Clara Barton Camp Board Chairman Lan Goodwin carding a record-low 79 in the tough conditions (see photos!).
Kenny Classic III finally caught a break - and began the incredible growth of this event. On July 19, 1996, with ideal weather conditions at Cedar Knob, the tournament field grew to 38 players, and the $600 raised at the event pushed the proceeds from the three Kenny Classics to over $1,500. Bob Kelley returned as champion (see scoreboard) - this time posting a new Classic record score of 74 (see photos!).
In 1997, the Kenny Classic IV underwent a few changes. The tournament's formal name changed to the Robert J. Kenny Memorial Golf Tournament, in honor of Bob Kenny, who passed away in February of that year. The tournament's host site was moved from Cedar Knob to Millbrook Golf Club, in Windsor, Conn. On event day - July 11, 1997 - the Kennys saw the tournament field double in size (59 players), and the funds raised from the event ($1,660) grow beyond what the previous three tournaments had raised. Ed Youmell and Joe Whalen continued the tradition of fine golf at the KC (see scoreboard), as both carded 74's to claim low gross (see photos!).
The Kenny Boys continued to tweak the event leading up to the 5th anniversary of the Kenny Classic, July 10, 1998. They had sent out a survey of the tournament to their entire mailing list, and after recording the data, decided to change the format of the Classic from individual stroke play to team scramble. The reaction was very positive - another record playing field (70) took to Millbrook that day (see scoreboard). Also, the post tournament party was moved from a residential setting to the beautiful patio at the Millbrook clubhouse. To make the event a bit more special for the participants, the Kennys issued collectible golf caps to mark the anniversary year of the event. The weather and golf were again outstanding, as the teams of Bob Kelley, Steve Kenny Sr, Steve Kenny Jr, and Bill Kenny; and Max Wolanske, Vin Melendez, Mike Kuchieski and Dave Marquis each posted 60's to lead the field (see photos!).
