OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) – The Goodfellows Club and the Merchant Centre Court in Owensboro are giving back to the community and honoring one of their own.
Organizers say the tournament has become a beloved Owensboro tradition, drawing players from Indiana, Tennessee, and across Kentucky to compete in singles, doubles, and mixed competition.
All to support kids in need and honor a local tennis player who meant so much to the community.
The Annual Goodfellows Club Luke Woodward Memorial Tennis Tournament serves as one of the main fundraisers for the Goodfellows Club.
The organization has been serving disadvantaged children in Daviess County since 1916.
The club identifies students in need through their schools and provides them with clothing, shoes, coats, emergency dental care and more.
“We’ve helped, over 2000 children this last year in the 25/26 school year and the needs keep increasing because, there’s just a lot of families that have trouble making ends meet,” says Gordon Wilkerson, a board member for the Goodfellows Club.
The tournament is named after Luke Woodward, a tennis player and coach who died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in 2003.
His parents say his legacy lives on through the tournament.
“I think he would really be proud of this facility and what it’s done for the community of Owensboro,” says Norman Woodward, Luke’s father. “He loved tennis and he loved to play tennis. And this facility has given the children of Owensboro an opportunity to be a tennis community, if you would. So I think it means a lot for us to have a court named in his honor.”
A friend of Luke Woodward has participated in the tournament for 23 years.
She says its the perfect tribute to Luke.
“I think he loves this, and that we’re giving, we’re playing tennis, a sport he loves so much and having fun, but at the same time giving back to kids that really need it,” says Ashley Lile.
Winners of the tournament will receive tennis equipment.
Event organizers say all proceeds go directly back to the Goodfellows Club.
Officials with the Goodfellows Club this is just one of many fundraisers they hold throughout the year.
They also hold an annual Christmas party later in the year to spread joy during the holiday season.
Copyright 2026 WFIE. All rights reserved.