From disaster to celebration: Wichita Open saved by community effort
Severe storms nearly derailed the Wichita Open. The community wouldn’t let that happen.
What could have been the latest casualty of Kansas’ unpredictable summer weather became a powerful testament to the spirit of community the past four days at Crestview Country Club.
Just two days before the start of the Korn Ferry Tour tournament, severe storms ripped through the area, toppling trees, flooding bunkers and leaving fairways littered with debris. The course, which has hosted the event since 2001, looked more like a disaster zone than a championship venue.
“When you saw the damage, the sails got sucked out of you,” said Frank Lichtlin, a Wichita Open board member and Crestview resident.
But for tournament director Dusty Buell, canceling Wichita’s most beloved summer social event was out of the question.
Even with months of meticulous planning were wiped out in a matter of hours, leaving what Buell described as a “monumental” cleanup job. But the response was swift — and overwhelming. Hundreds of volunteers poured in, from Wichita Open staff, Crestview members and Korn Ferry Tour employees to friends, family, neighbors and locals who simply wanted to help.
“There weren’t really a ton of phone calls made. People just instinctively knew that they were needed,” said Jay Delling, the Wichita Open’s media relations director. “That’s part of why I’ve been volunteering for this tournament for 36 years, because of the community.”
Crews worked from sunrise to sundown on Tuesday to ensure the pro-am could go on as scheduled the following day.
“You never would have thought that was possible if you saw the devastation the day before,” Lichtlin said. “That’s why this community here is nothing but the best. There is so much support for this tournament and the community rallied when there was adversity. People really wanted to help this tournament.”
In less than 48 hours, what seemed like an impossible task turned into a near-miracle. By Thursday’s opening round, the only visible reminders of the storm were the missing covers on hospitality suites at the 17th and 18th holes.
Even though the damage was out of his control, Buell worried if scorching 90-degree temperatures would keep people away from what is typically the most popular areas on the course. Instead, the Wichita Open sold more tickets than ever, witnessed two golfers fire course-record 11-under-par 59s and raised $300,000 for charity.
As Myles Creighton posed with the championship propeller trophy on the 18th green on Sunday evening, Buell took a moment to soak it all in.
Not just the winner’s moment, but the resilience, hard work and heart that had made the week possible.
“I’m just so proud of the people who helped make this happen, none more than my staff” Buell said. “I just love them and I love them more today than I ever have.”
This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 7:01 AM.
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