(KRTY.COM Writers Cup Raised $55K – A NEW RECORD! Published 10/7/2026) The 3rd Annual KRTY Writers Cup benefitted FTSV in a BIG WAY by raising $55K! With a SOLD OUT tournament of 140 golfers, including 5 Nashville Songwriters, came out to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on a toasty Wednesday for a day of golf, guitars and giving back!
“We are very proud to be able to produce this event for the benefit of First Tee – Silicon Valley” said Nate Deaton, KRTY.com General Manager. “We are lucky to have 6 amazing songwriters with us this year, Lily Rose, Luke Dick, Ben Williams, Casey Brown, Parker Welling, and the one that started it all – Cole Taylor. One night at the end of 2024, I mentioned to Cole Taylor that I had an idea to do a Charity Golf Event with Songwriters. He looked at me and said, we could call it the Writers Cup! And here we are.”
After a full day, players, sponsors and some KRTY Fans were treated to dinner and a sold-out show. The songwriters told stories, played guitar, and sang some hit country songs.
The KRTY Writers Cup raffle, live and silent auctions raised an astounding $55K for First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid program. FTSV would like to thank the Writers Cup sponsors, players, and the staff at Legendary KRTY.COM for their support. Without such support, FTSV could not continue to help MORE Kids!
“All of us here at First Tee – Silicon Valley cannot thank enough KRTY.com, Nate Deaton, and everyone who supported the Writers Cup for their generosity. These funds will go a long way in helping us help kids who benefit so much from our life skills education.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.
Writer’s Cup Results Recap:
Songwriter Lily Rose’s Winning Team = Score 678
Tony Damore, Jeff Athens, Rigo Gutierrez, Mark Chiavetta, Eric Cotter, Jim Bignell, Brett Wingo, Joe Dermer, Shone Freeman, Eric Arnold, Dom Nicoli, Justin Moles, Robby Zipp, Gabe Soza, Chris Walliger, Bobby Cashen, Michael Lybbert, Steve Nimeyer, Carey Wright, Troy Smith, Miles Knapp, Kyle Baldasano, Pat Carnesecca, John Brehm.
Foursome Winners = Score 120
Kolbey Moreno, Bill Ayres, Rodney Wilson, Matt Wheeler
Putting Contest
Randy Hahn
Closest to the Holes
Lake#2: Gary Scott Thomas 7’0’ (2nd Place – Tristan Fox 11’8”)
Lake #8: Ryan Hayes 9’1”
Mountain #2: Bill Ayres 8’3”
Mountain #6: Angi James 6’3”
Special Thanks to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club – Adam Schiro & Nick Starr. Also, Randy Hahn, San Jose Sharks play-by-play commentator for over 30 seasons, thank you for being our auctioneer for the evening and for your continued support.
If you have an upcoming tournament and would like to partner with and make First Tee – Silicon Valley the beneficiary, please click here.
We’ll see y’all next year!
CLICK HERE for Foursome Photos
