IN LOVING MEMORY AND HONOR OF
Braden Bailess
Answering a higher calling, Braden enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after graduation, serving in the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.
Braden’s life ended far too soon in a car accident in July 2002, but the echoes of his character—courage, loyalty, and an irrepressible love for people—continue to ripple outward. The Braden Bailess Memorial Golf Tournament exists so that each swing, high-five, and dollar raised carries his legacy forward, supporting the veterans and community members he would have championed himself.
Every time you step onto the tee box, remember: you’re playing the game Braden loved, for the causes he cared about, and in the spirit he embodied—living each moment with purpose and heart.
ABOUT US
Claudia &
Doug Bailess
Doug and Claudia Bailess turned unimaginable loss into a living legacy of service. After their son Braden Bailess—a Westfield High School golf standout who went on to serve proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd LAR Battalion—died in a car accident in July 2002, they searched for a way to honor his vibrant spirit and generous heart.
In 2006 they launched the Braden Bailess Memorial Golf Tournament, inviting friends, family, and total strangers to tee it up for causes Braden would have championed. What began as a modest day of remembrance has grown—year after year—into a cornerstone community event that channels competitive fun into real-world impact, especially for veterans and their families.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the tournament stands as a testament to Doug and Claudia’s steady dedication. Their guiding principles remain simple yet powerful:
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Remember Braden. Keep his love for golf, country, and camaraderie alive on every fairway.
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Serve Others. Direct proceeds to nonprofits that heal, empower, and uplift—particularly those supporting military communities.
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Build Community. Create an inclusive, upbeat atmosphere where players, sponsors, and volunteers feel like family.
Doug still greets golfers at sunrise; Claudia still ensures every detail reflects Braden’s warm, welcoming nature. Together, they prove that a parent’s love—when paired with a shared swing of a club—can change countless lives for the better.
“Heroes don’t wear jerseys. They wear golf shoes.”