Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship Surprises an Ohio Teen With a $10,000 Scholarship

Ceremonial first tee shot at the Scarlet Course on a fall morning.

At the 20th Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, Nationwide surprised 18-year-old Reese Shirey of Baltimore, Ohio with a $10,000 college scholarship. The tournament has raised nearly $33 million for pediatric cancer care since 2007.

Some of the best news in a community isn't about development or prices. It's about people showing up for each other. This September, a Central Ohio golf tournament that has quietly raised millions for children's cancer care made headlines for a moment on its first tee, when an 18-year-old from Fairfield County took the opening shot and walked away with a surprise.

Here's what happened, drawn from ABC6 On Your Side's report and from Nationwide and the tournament's own published materials. This post shares only what those organizations have made public.

What Is the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship?

A professional golf tournament with a charitable mission. The Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship is a Korn Ferry Tour Finals event played at The Ohio State University Golf Club's Scarlet Course, and the 2026 edition, the 20th playing, ran September 17 through 20. It was the second of four Korn Ferry Tour Finals events, which help determine who earns PGA Tour membership.

It began in 2007 through a partnership among Nationwide, The Ohio State University, the Nationwide Tour, and what was then Columbus Children's Hospital, with two goals: bring a professional tournament to Central Ohio and raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research and treatment. Since then, the event has generated nearly $33 million for Nationwide Children's Hospital. The tournament announced that its 2025 edition raised a record $3,939,785 for central Ohio charitable organizations, including $3,708,805 for pediatric cancer research and treatment at Nationwide Children's, the fifth year in a row it topped $3 million. The event is held each September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

What Is the First Shot to Fight Cancer?

A tournament tradition. A Nationwide Children's Hospital patient, called a Patient Champion, takes a ceremonial first shot just before the opening round begins. This year's first shot was scheduled for 7:10 a.m. on Thursday, September 17. The tournament also holds a Last Putt to Cure Cancer ceremony after play on Sunday, and organizers describe supporting the hospital as the defining purpose of the event.

Who Took the First Shot This Year?

Reese Shirey, an 18-year-old from Baltimore, Ohio. According to the tournament and Nationwide, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2019, at age 10, and was treated at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She reached remission and rang the bell in 2021.

ABC6 reported that Shirey is a senior at Liberty Union High School, where she is a varsity cheerleader, and that she works as a lifeguard at her community pool. After she hit the opening shot, Nationwide surprised her with a $10,000 college scholarship to support her future goals, which ABC6 said include becoming an oncology nurse or an oncologist. Nationwide added that she returned on Sunday to take the Last Putt to Cure Cancer at the conclusion of the championship.

Why Do Events Like This Matter to a Community?

They show how a region's institutions, employers, and residents can combine to support something far bigger than a single weekend. The tournament draws professional golfers, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators, and it directs the proceeds to a local hospital that treats children from across the region. The tournament's own schedule includes patient-focused moments alongside the competition, such as the Pros Fore Patients event Reese took part in.

For people who live in or are moving to Central Ohio, it's also a glimpse of the community's character. Stories like this are part of what makes a place feel like home.

How Can You Get Involved Next Year?

The tournament is held each September, so mark your calendar for next year's dates once they're announced. The tournament's website lists ticket information, including a charity ticket program, and details for those interested in hosting players. You can also support pediatric cancer care directly through Nationwide Children's Hospital. Confirm all details with the tournament and the hospital, since programs and dates change each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship?

It's a Korn Ferry Tour Finals golf tournament at The Ohio State University Golf Club's Scarlet Course that raises money for pediatric cancer research and treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The 20th playing ran September 17 through 20, 2026.

How much has the tournament raised for Nationwide Children's Hospital?

Nearly $33 million since 2007. The 2025 edition raised a record $3,939,785 for central Ohio charities, including $3,708,805 for pediatric cancer research and treatment.

What is the First Shot to Fight Cancer?

A tradition in which a Nationwide Children's Hospital Patient Champion takes the ceremonial first shot before the opening round. A Last Putt to Cure Cancer ceremony follows play on Sunday.

Who took the 2026 First Shot to Fight Cancer?

Reese Shirey, an 18-year-old from Baltimore, Ohio, who was treated at Nationwide Children's Hospital and received a $10,000 college scholarship from Nationwide at the event.

How can I support the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship?

The tournament's website lists ticket information, including a charity ticket program, and you can also support pediatric cancer care through Nationwide Children's Hospital. Confirm current details with the organizers.

Stories like this are part of what makes Central Ohio feel like a community, and if you're curious about the places and people that give a neighborhood its character, I'm always happy to talk it through.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. All real estate services are provided in compliance with Fair Housing laws, RESPA, TCPA, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and Ohio Real Estate Commission advertising regulations. Equal Housing Opportunity. Chrisi Hagan, Collins Lassiter Group, Red 1 Realty.