WIGC Charitable Foundation

The WIGC Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the charitable arm of the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club. The WIGC Charitable Foundation’s purpose is to serve the Western North Carolina community through access and educational opportunities through the game of golf.

“To Engage and empower our future leaders of Western North Carolina through the game of Golf.”

WHAT WE DO

The WIGC Charitable Foundation’s core principle is that the game of golf opens doors and provides opportunities. The WIGC Charitable Foundation seeks to introduce the game of golf to kids, provide financial support to those who are seeking career opportunities in the industry, and to make a positive financial impact on golf in the Waynesville community and surrounding areas.

The WIGC Charitable Foundation provides support to existing organizations as well as seeks its own programming opportunities. The WIGC Charitable Foundation also provides financial support to the Club in ways that supports the WIGC Charitable Foundation’s mission such as donation of equipment, support for employees and their families, internship opportunities, and more.

Founded to lead the next generation of leaders in the mountains of North Carolina. The game of golf teaches great lessons: integrity, honesty, hard work, dedication, accountability. The goal of this WIGC Charitable Foundation is to provide the youth of the area the opportunity to learn this game and the benefits of it. Through mentorship programs, clinics, junior tournaments, and after school opportunities, we will create a community and culture that builds the next generation of leaders in WNC.

About the J.T. Poston Invitational

The J.T. Poston Invitational, founded in 2003, is a prestigious collegiate golf tournament. Originally named the Hummingbird Invitational, it was renamed after PGA Tour pro and now 3-Time PGA Tour Winner, J.T. Poston, a Western Carolina University Graduate who grew up in Western North Carolina.

Now held at the scenic Waynesville Inn and Golf Club, the tournament draws top collegiate programs nationwide and celebrates skill, sportsmanship, and community. The focus of this event, however, is giving back. All proceeds from the event support the WIGC Charitable WIGC Charitable Foundation, dedicated to developing the future leaders of Western North Carolina through the game of golf.

Our Programs

We run a variety of programs designed to create a lasting impact for young athletes:

Make an Impact

Your support powers our mission. Whether you donate, volunteer, or partner with the WIGC Charitable Foundation, your contribution directly helps young athletes pursue their goals and gives back to the communities that shaped J.T.’s journey.

Our Influence

Over the past 20+ years, the JT Poston Invitational has raised significant funds to support the WIGC Charitable Foundation, resulting in:

Hundreds of young golfers gaining access to coaching, competitions, and mentorship.
Scholarships and educational programs that empower youth academically and athletically.
Expanded sports initiatives across Western North Carolina that foster community and growth.

Your support creates tangible opportunities for the next generation of athletes, helping them succeed on and off the course.

Our team had a wonderful experience at the JT Poston Invitational! From the golf course setup, hospitality from the membership and the club to the lodging and food, I'm not sure Coach Eckberg and Waynesville Inn and Golf Club could do anything else to make us feel more welcome to compete in the event. It is a special place and we are already looking forward to returning next season!

The J.T. Poston Invitational at The Waynesville Inn & Golf Club is the tourney our guys talk about year round. It is championship golf, on site lodging, and first class hospitality all in one place. Coach Tim, the staff, and the members treat us the right way and run a great event. Our players love the challenge, the atmosphere, and are always ready to get back there and compete again.

Everything from A-to-Z, for this event is first class! The food is incredible, the golf course is in fantastic shape, the accommodations with lodging are amazing. The JT Poston trophy is one of the best in college golf. Most importantly, the people associated with this tournament are amazing! Everyone from the golf staff to the membership of Waynesville Inn and golf club are very welcoming to all of the participants each year. Our team has thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the JT Poston Invitational. We look forward to returning for future years to come.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways to support the J.T. Poston WIGC Charitable WIGC Charitable Foundation: