Longtime Penny Jones golf tournament supports LMH Health in meaningful ways
Every Friday after Labor Day for the past 40+ years, golfers and volunteers have come together in support of LMH Health.
The Penny Jones Open Golf Tournament has a rich history in Douglas County. Since 1982, the tournament has brought the community together in support of the county’s nonprofit, safety-net hospital. Tournament proceeds benefit patients and support programs at LMH Health, including new technology.
The legacy of Penny Jones
The tournament began in 1982 in honor of Dr. H. Penfield “Penny” Jones, a surgeon and member of Lawrence’s medical community for more than 60 years. Penny was born in Lawrence in 1906 and graduated from Lawrence High School.
While attending the University of Kansas, Dr. Jones played basketball under Coach Forrest “Phog” Allen. He earned his medical degree at Rosedale (now the University of Kansas School of Medicine) and completed graduate study at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Jones returned to Lawrence in 1933 and joined his father, H. T. Jones, in his practice. Before he retired at age 80, he served as Chief of Medical Staff at LMH Health, president of the Douglas County Medical society and the State Board of Health.
Dr. Steve Myrick, now a retired surgeon, was recruited to join LMH Health by Dr. Jones in the early 1980s and has been involved with the tournament since its inception.
“The tournament has been a great fundraiser for the hospital and well-attended because Penny was known and loved by so many people,” said Dr. Myrick. “He helped found a great group of surgeons at LMH Health who have taken good care of our patients all these years.”
Each year, Dr. Myrick kicks off the morning and afternoon tournament flights with a shotgun start using Penny’s own Browning shotgun – a gift to Myrick before Penny passed away.
“He was a very benevolent guy,” said Dr. Myrick. “He was well-loved in Lawrence and just a really unique person.”
Dr. Myrick said he’s proud of the impact that the tournament has had on the community and hospital.
“There are a lot of golf tournaments you can play in around here, but this one sells out fast,” said Dr. Myrick. “People want to come to this special event at a special golf course.”
This year’s Penny Jones Open Golf Tournament will be hosted on Friday, September 8, at Lawrence Country Club. For more information, please visit LMH.org/PennyJones.
