NEW ALBANY, Ind. - From the "Arnold Palmer" drink to Topgolf sports-entertainment, golf is woven throughout American culture. According to the National Golf Foundation, it is estimated that 138 million Americans engage with the sport through various media. Over 47 million Americans age 6+ played golf either on-course or at simulators and entertainment venues. Golf has never been more popular.

For many families, golf becomes an integral part of their lives. The Bennett family of Corydon, Ind. is a prime example of how the sport of golf created opportunities for success.

Community Leader & Golf Aficionado – Bud Bennett

"My father, Bud, was obsessed with golf," recalled Pamela Bennett Martin. "He didn't actually learn how to play golf until he was 32 years old and it started as a connection for him to the greater business community in Corydon. He became totally engaged with the game of golf and just loved the game. We jokingly said he played golf like it was his job."

Bud Bennett was the owner and president of Bennett & Bennett Insurance, an independent agency with locations in Corydon and New Albany. Bud was in the insurance industry for 52 years and was a pillar of the community volunteering with numerous organizations in Southern Indiana. The Bud Bennett Invitational held annually for Indiana high school golf teams at the Old Capital Golf Club in Corydon was named in his honor for his dedication and philanthropy to the greater community.

"My father encouraged many young adults to take up the game, including our whole family," said Martin. "He knew this was a game that you could enjoy for your whole life. In fact, just a few months prior to his passing, my father shot a 74 at the Old Capital golf tournament, pretty good for a 76 year old battling cancer!"

Generous to a Fault and Always Ready to Hit the Links– Larry Bennett

Golf is a major family event in the Bennett household. Family outings to golf courses and events including Valhalla, the Masters, the U.S. Open and St. Andrews in Scotland were cherished memories with three generations of Bennett family in attendance.

"My father, my brothers and my sons had such wonderful experiences together," said Martin. "We have a tradition in our family that we always watch the last day of the Masters together and then have a steak dinner. I love to play golf myself, but I am not anywhere near the golfer my father and brothers were. My biggest claim to fame is that I did get a hole in one at hole two at the Old Capital golf course. It ended up being the last time I ever played golf with Larry."

Larry Bennett worked in the family business as an agent and Secretary/Treasurer of Bennett & Insurance for 38 years. He was highly active in community organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Metro United Way, and Main Street Corydon to name a few. Larry was also instrumental in organizing both competitive and charitable golf tournaments such as the Old Capital Golf Tournament and the Harrison County Hospital Foundation Tournament which has since been renamed the Larry Bennett Memorial Golf Classic in his honor.

"Larry loved playing golf and he took that passion and his business skills to help raise thousands of dollars for the community, such as the Harrison County Hospital Foundation, by creating and coordinating these golf events," said Martin. "When I learned that IU Southeast was adding men's and women's golf teams, I thought this was a great way to honor my father and brother by creating the Bud and Larry Bennett Memorial Scholarship."

A Family Tradition of Supporting the Community

Invested deeply in the success of Southern Indiana, the entire Bennett family believes in creating opportunities for others. Pamela learned a great deal from her parents who led by example.

"My parents Bud and Betty were very giving people," said Martin. "I watched how this opened up doors in the community and I just thought, this is just what you are supposed to do – it is the right thing to do."

Martin served as the former president of Bennett & Bennett Insurance and spent 45 years working at the family business. Similar to her father, she has been involved with many community service organizations, business organizations and leadership opportunities. Her accolades are impressive and she recently was named as one of the 2025 IU Southeast Chancellor's Medallion honorees. This award is the highest honor presented by the chancellor of IU Southeast.

When asked about which projects were some of her most meaningful, Martin highlighted the Harrison County YMCA project. She chaired the 2004 fundraising campaign that raised $3 million to build the facility and then later served as board chair from 2005-2007. On a professional level, Martin was chosen to be president of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Indiana and was awarded the Harry P. Cooper Jr. award in 2021 for her role in enhancing the public image of the insurance profession through professional activities, public image and personal integrity in business activities, and community involvement.

Martin is keenly aware that investing in the youth of today is paramount to providing a better tomorrow. She has witnessed firsthand how important sports are to teaching the values of teamwork, time management, respect for others, and strong communication skills.

"I hope that by establishing the Bud and Larry Bennett Memorial Scholarship that it gives some student athletes the opportunity to spend the time to hone their golf skills and ease the financial burden a bit," said Martin. "I love knowing that this will provide students with the experience of competing at the collegiate level and in turn will broaden their horizons and perspectives. I know for me personally, college really opened up my perspective and I learned that there's more than one way to solve an issue or make a decision. I am hoping that through their experiences at IU Southeast and on the golf team, these life-changing opportunities will be a fundamental part of their education."

The Bud and Larry Bennett Memorial Scholarship will support scholarships for students at IU Southeast who are members of the men's and/or women's golf teams. For more information on how to support the IU Southeast golf teams, visit Support IU Southeast Golf Program and Scholarships.