STATESBORO, Ga. - Jeff Chandler attended Georgia Southern in the mid-1970s and was a lover of all things Eagle Nation.  While in college, Jeff and his friends Bill Charles, Dan Gladman, Steve Lang, Peter Shipps, Mike Kimball, Jack Harrell and Mark Martin always gathered together the day before Thanksgiving for a round of golf in Lakeland, Florida.

After Jeff's passing in May 1998, his friends continued to meet and celebrate his life over a round of golf. Over time, the day commemorating Jeff grew into something much bigger.

In 2003, they decided to expand the reunion's objective to honor Jeff's legacy and combine his favorite things – Georgia Southern University and Golf – and they started the Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Outing to give back to their University with the Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Fund that directly benefits the men's golf program.

What was once just a group of best friends commemorating their dear friend has turned into something truly meaningful for many. Friends and family from near and far now participate in the annual golf outing and it continues to soar to new heights each year.

Since 2003, Jeff's loved ones have given a total of $66,023.00 to Georgia Southern's men's golf program. This has allowed for the Bennett-Ramsey Golf Center to make necessary improvements to their daily functions as well as dedicate a team meeting room in Jeff's honor.

Written on a plaque in the team room honoring Jeff Chandler is the story of how the Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Outing came to be. This plaque also highlights the memories that Jeff's family and friends get to share in his absence, "This outing for our Georgia Southern Alumni, the Chandler family and other friends have given us the opportunity to keep our longtime friendships alive and well. It is our little way of giving back to "OUR" University in Jeff Chandler's name…"

Men's golf head coach Carter Collins appreciates the contributions to the Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Fund and the ongoing relationship with the men's golf program, "The Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Outing is a tremendous event that means a lot to this program. Mark Martin, Bill Charles and the entire Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Outing Committee have done a tremendous job elevating this tournament while honoring their great friend at the same time.  

"The support they have provided has been incredible and has changed our program for the better.  Eagle Nation is incredible and everyone involved with the Jeff Chandler Memorial Golf Outing are all shining examples of that."