Small Businesses, Big Impact at the 2026 Ally Challenge

Later that day was one of the most meaningful events of the week — the Women of Influence Luncheon.

More than 200 women came together at Warwick Hills for an afternoon of networking, conversation and community impact. This year's luncheon also supported the Shelter of Flint, with attendees helping raise funds and collect much-needed supplies for the organization.

It's always inspiring to see so many women from throughout our region come together in one place, build new connections and use that collective energy to help an organization doing important work in our community.

Thursday evening was also Family Night, which made the day even more special for me. My mom, sister, brother-in-law and niece all came up to Warwick Hills to enjoy the evening with us. After spending so much time working behind the scenes leading up to tournament week, it's always fun when I get to share some of the experience with my own family, too.

Folds of Honor Friday

Friday began with the moving Folds of Honor Breakfast, followed by a military helicopter flyover — setting the tone for a day focused not only on golf, but also on honoring the sacrifices of military families.

After the first round of tournament play concluded, the excitement continued on Hole 17 with a tandem parachute jump flanked by two additional parachutists.

That unforgettable entrance kicked off Friday night's Concert @17 featuring The Wildflowers, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band that had the crowd singing along.

Matt and I also spent part of Friday giving hospitality tours to businesses and individuals interested in experiencing The Ally Challenge in a different way in 2027.

One of the things we wanted to showcase was how tournament hospitality can be so much more than simply watching golf. A suite can be used for team building, entertaining clients and prospects, rewarding employees or even creating a special experience for family and friends.

Being able to tour the hospitality spaces during tournament week gives businesses a chance to see firsthand what the experience could look like for their own guests.

Saturday: Golf, a Million-Dollar Shot, Keith Urban & a Few Fun Connections

Saturday brought another exciting round of tournament play — but when the golf ended, the fun definitely wasn't over.

During the day, Matt and I also had the chance to meet PGA TOUR Champions golfer Rod Pampling. We thought it was especially fun to learn that Rod and that night's headliner, Keith Urban, both have roots in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia. Rod moved there as a teenager and began playing his amateur golf there, while Keith grew up there after his family moved to Australia when he was young.

Saturday also turned into another family day for us. My mom and my Aunt Sue joined Matt and me at Warwick Hills and stayed through the evening for the concert, which made an already fun day even better.

We also had another special delivery from one of our Small Business Campaign participants. SugarHigh Bakery in Frankenmuth created custom cookies and cupcakes for Keith Urban and the tournament volunteers — a fun way to bring a little local flavor behind the scenes at one of the biggest nights of tournament week.

Then came the Million Dollar Shot, where three lucky fans were randomly selected for a chance to make a hole-in-one on Warwick Hills' iconic 17th hole and win $1 million.

After that, it was time for music.

The Nashville Yacht Club Band, an eight-piece Yacht Rock tribute band, opened the evening before country superstar Keith Urban took the stage for the Ally Community Concert.

And just when it seemed like the night couldn't get any better, the evening wrapped up with an incredible drone show over Warwick Hills.



Between championship golf, meeting Rod Pampling, having family there with us, delivering some locally made treats, the Million Dollar Shot, Keith Urban and the drone show, Saturday was definitely one to remember!

Sunday: One More Birthday Surprise & an Exciting Finish

Sunday morning brought some Michigan weather with it, delaying play for a couple of hours due to wet course conditions.

That didn't stop the fun.

Several of our Small Business Campaign participants chose Sunday to experience Club 1957 hospitality, enjoying the final round from one of the tournament's premium hospitality areas.

We also had one more birthday surprise to deliver.

CRUST bakery in Fenton created a special cake for Pádraig Harrington, whose birthday was the following day. My friend and Alpha Xi Delta sorority sister from Albion College, Jenn, was coming up to Warwick Hills that day and was able to bring the cake with her so we could help Pádraig celebrate a little early.

I loved being able to incorporate businesses from our own communities into these little behind-the-scenes moments throughout the week. It's exactly the kind of connection that makes the Small Business Campaign so much fun.

Fans on the course also had another reason to arrive hungry: complimentary chicken and waffles from Zehnder's of Frankenmuth were available for the public to enjoy during Sunday brunch.

Once play got underway, the final round delivered plenty of excitement, with Steven Alker ultimately being crowned the 2026 champion of The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren.

It was the perfect ending to another memorable tournament week.

Small Businesses Make a Big Impact

One of my favorite parts of working on The Ally Challenge each year is watching businesses throughout our region get involved.

Our 60 Small Business Campaign participants aren't simply sharing posts. They're helping connect their communities to an event that brings professional golf, entertainment, visitors and charitable impact to Genesee County and the surrounding region.

And this year, we were able to see some of those connections come to life in especially fun ways — from SugarHigh Bakery surprising Bernhard Langer and creating treats for Keith Urban and the tournament volunteers to CRUST helping us celebrate Pádraig Harrington.

We're incredibly thankful to every business that participated in the 2026 campaign and helped us spread the word.

And we're already looking forward to doing it again!

Save the Date for 2027!

Mark your calendars: The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren returns to Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club August 23–29, 2027.

If you're a local business interested in participating in the 2027 Small Business Marketing Campaign, we'd love to hear from you.

Or, if you're looking for a unique way to entertain clients, thank employees, build your team or connect with prospects, we can also help you learn more about the hospitality opportunities available during tournament week.

Fill out the form below and let us know what you're interested in. I'll get back to you with more information as plans for 2027 get underway.

We can't wait to see what next year's Ally Challenge brings!