A special day at a special golf hole

The 2026 Mickey Gilley Memorial Golf Tournament is in the books. Family and friends of Mr. Gilley shared that the tournament was a lot of fun, blessed with beautiful weather in spite of early clouds, and also a great success, resulting in approximately $13,450 to be donated to Branson Humane Society and Taney County Animal Control.  

The day was even more exciting for one golfer, Robin Rossi of Branson. Hole #12 at Thousand Hills is dedicated to honoring Mickey Gilley. Prior to moving to Branson, Rossi caddied for a Ladies Professional Golf Association player who often came to Branson and played golf with Gilley. That led to some fun golf outings, other connections around Branson, and eventually, Rossi’s move to Branson where she has continued to enjoy golf with friends. 

Rossi shared that when friends got together for golf, Gilley would often tease her at #12, saying, “Did you know I got a hole in one at this hole once?” and then asking, “Did you ever get a hole in one?” The answer was actually “yes” to both questions, but it had been quite some time since Rossi accomplished that feat. 

Until Sunday, April 26, when Rossi, who joined the Mickey Gilley Memorial Golf Tournament for a girls’ outing with friends including one of Mickey’s back-up singers, got a hole in one. And it wasn’t on just any hole—it was Hole #12, Gilley’s signature hole! 

“That was the icing on the cake,” shared Cindy Gilley. Rossi agreed, saying it was a wonderful feeling not only to get the hole in one, but to do it at the exact spot where she and Gilley had shared some fun joking. “It was almost like he arranged it,” she said. 

Rossi won a gorgeous golf cart with all the bells and whistles, gifted by Horsin’ Around Golf Cars as a hole-in-one prize for Mickey’s signature golf hole. She said it will be a wonderful reminder of those good times. 

Mrs. Gilley said Rossi’s accomplishment made the day even more delightful. She also shared her appreciation for all who contributed to making the tournament a success: Host venue Thousand Hills Golf Resort and pro Kyler Patterson; administrator and registrar George Cupstid; Horsin’ Around Golf Cars for the Epic Hole in One Golf Cart as well as additional prizes; Side Chick in Branson for a fabulous meal after the event; and of course all of the participating golfers, eagle and sign sponsors, auction prize contributors, flight prize contributors and many volunteers. 

“We are truly blessed with the best people in our community,” said Cindy Gilley. “We just want to say Thank You to all of you that made this successful and so much fun!”

By popular demand, tentative plans are already underway for the Fourth Annual Mickey Gilley Memorial Golf Tournament, so mark your calendar for April 25, 2027!