OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Mid-FL Regional Manufacturers Association (MRMA) will honor the legacy of longtime board member and manufacturing advocate Whitt Harper with the newly named MRMA Whitt Harper Memorial Golf Classic, taking place Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Ocala Golf Club.
For more than 22 years, the MRMA Annual Golf Tournament has brought together manufacturers, suppliers, educators and business leaders for a day of connection, competition and support for the future of manufacturing in the region. This year, the longstanding tradition takes on new meaning as the tournament is renamed in memory of Harper, a longtime MRMA board member, dedicated golf tournament chairman and passionate supporter of the manufacturing community.
“Whitt believed deeply in people, in manufacturing and in giving back to the community,” said Phillip Schuster, MRMA Board President. “His leadership and generosity helped make this tournament what it is today. Naming the Golf Classic in his honor gives us an opportunity not only to remember Whitt, but to continue the work and causes that meant so much to him.”
Harper’s commitment to bringing people together helped shape the annual tournament into one of MRMA’s most cherished traditions. Through the Memorial Golf Classic, MRMA aims to carry his legacy forward by investing in the next generation of manufacturing professionals and supporting organizations that strengthen the community.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain Management and Logistics programs in local schools; the Rob Adamiak Memorial Scholarship Fund; and Sheltering Hands, Inc., an organization Harper proudly supported. The MRMA Whitt Harper Memorial Golf Classic will be held the at Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a program at 11:30 a.m. The tournament will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Businesses and individuals are invited to participate as golfers, sponsors or supporters. Sponsorships provide organizations with an opportunity to connect with manufacturing professionals and community leaders while directly supporting manufacturing education, workforce development and scholarships for future industry leaders.
Those unable to attend the tournament can also make a tax-deductible donation in support of the Golf Classic and the programs and organizations it benefits.
“Whitt’s impact can be seen in the people he encouraged, the relationships he built and the causes he championed,” added Schuster. “Our hope is that this tournament continues to grow as a lasting celebration of his leadership, generosity and commitment to our community.”
For tournament registration, sponsorship opportunities or to make a donation, visit mrmafl.com/mrma-whitt-harper-memorial-golf-classic/ or reach out via email to director@mrmafl.com.