The Vlasic Classic golf tour is not your average networking event. Founded by cannabis entrepreneur Willy Vlasic, this annual charity golf tournament has become a powerful movement centered around purpose, community, and philanthropy. Now in its third year, the Vlasic Classic supports organizations like the Last Prisoner Project and Freedom Grow, working to secure the freedom of those unjustly incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses. This year, the tour made stops in Michigan and Missouri, bringing together industry leaders for a weekend of golf, connection, and charity.
The Michigan Classic, held on June 28 at the Cardinal Golf Course at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, was a deliberate choice. The resort itself is a nonprofit, with all funds supporting local and international humanitarian efforts. This unique venue also holds a special connection to the golf world, as it is a host for the LIV Golf Team Championship, making it a powerful landmark in both the sports and cannabis spaces. The atmosphere at the event was a perfect blend of professionalism and personal touch, with Willy Vlasic and his team personally involved in every aspect of the event. Willy’s father and nephew even came out to welcome players before the first tee-off, adding a family touch to the event.
The event was a perfect mix of a professional, large-scale event with a personal, communal feel. Activations at every hole, such as a longest-putt contest with a weed stalk putter and a $10,000 hole-in-one challenge, kept the energy high while also driving donations to the cause. The event also included a lively welcome party sponsored by Kushy Punch and a culminating after-party at Willy’s home, complete with a live rosin-press demo by Access Rosin, pizza, and a DJ. This personal touch extended to every detail, from the laid-back, friendly atmosphere to the generous and thoughtfully curated gift bags.
The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, with a blend of local Michigan brands and national companies like Sweed, an e-commerce platform for dispensaries. Kellen O’Keefe, president of Sweed, praised the event, saying, “Willy and his team put on an incredible event. What’s really great is that we’re dealing with the decision-makers. We’re going straight to the qualified purchasers and the people that we’re looking to sit down with. To be able to play golf with them for four hours and talk about our product is an amazing opportunity.” Brandy, an account executive for Northern Michigan at Kushy Punch, also had positive things to say about the event, stating, “This is my second Vlasic event, and business-wise, today went really well. There’s a lot of real networking happening here.”
The Vlasic Classic golf tour is not just a golf tournament; it’s a movement that brings together industry leaders for a day of golf, connection, and charity. With its unique blend of purpose, community, and philanthropy, this event is truly one-of-a-kind.
