Rhonda Walker Foundation
14th Annual Automotive and Mobility Industry Golf Challenge
Monday, August 3, 2026
The Cardinal at St. John’s Resort
Plymouth, Michigan
For 23 years, the Rhonda Walker Foundation has been changing the lives of Detroit girls through mentorship, education and empowerment. This August, we hit the green so more Detroit girls can rise.
Limited sponsorship and golf opportunities are available on the Little Cardinal Course.
Every Swing Supports Her Future.
The Rhonda Walker Foundation empowers girls in Detroit through transformative programming that builds confidence, develops leadership and creates pathways to success. From mentorship and life skills to college readiness and career exposure, RWF is shaping the next generation of strong, capable young women.
The Annual Automotive and Mobility Industry Golf Challenge is our signature fundraising event. Proceeds support our scholarship program and the life-changing work that makes these outcomes possible.
The Class of 2026: 20 Years of Scholar Power
This spring, the Rhonda Walker Foundation celebrated a historic milestone, honoring its 20th Scholar Power graduating class. Fourteen young women emerged from the program prepared, confident, and ready to lead, proving once again what happens when you invest in Detroit girls, including:
- – Achieved acceptance to more than 200 colleges and universities.
- – Four scholars earned full-tuition scholarships.
- – Received $102,000 in RWF, sponsor-funded scholarship awards and resources.
This is what your support makes possible.
Event Details
A New Course. A New Experience. A POWERFUL MISSION.
This year’s Golf Challenge moves to a spectacular new venue: The Cardinal at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan. One of the newest premier golf destinations in the region, The Cardinal is the first championship course to open in Metro Detroit in over two decades.
The 200-acre course features rolling terrain, Golden Age green contours, century-old trees, and stone-lined lakes. Selected to host the Aramco LIV Golf Team Championship in both 2025 and 2026, The Cardinal delivers a world-class golf experience from the first tee to the final putt.
New this year, the Little Cardinal Par 3 Golf Experience brings even more fun to the day. This walking-only short game round features a pitching lesson with the golf pro, friendly competition, and contest holes across 7.5 acres of rolling parkland. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or picking up a putter for the first time, the Little Cardinal is designed for everyone to enjoy.
Prepare for a full day of championship golf, friendly competition, exceptional networking, and an evening celebration you do not want to miss and will not forget. From the first tee to the final toast, here is what your day looks like.
The Cardinal at St. John's Resort
44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth, Michigan
| 9:00 a.m. | VIP Reception Qualifying Sponsors Only |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Registration and Breakfast
Golf Pavilion Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar Cigar Bar Driving Range and Putting Green Practice Open |
| 10:15 a.m. | Welcome, Sponsor Recognition and Announcements Golf Pavilion |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Shotgun Start
The Cardinal 18-Hole Course Par is Your Friend for Pace of Play |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Little Cardinal Par 3 Golf Experience
Walking Only Bring your putter only 110 yards distance registration Pitching lesson with the Golf Pro Friendly, fun short game round of competition and contest holes |
| 4:00 p.m. | Networking Reception Monarch Garden |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner, Awards Program and Live Auction Monarch Ballroom |
| 7:00 p.m. |
Afterglow
Monarch Garden The Fun Continues with Dessert Wine and Whiskey Tasting Yard Games and Networking |
Hotel Block
A limited number of rooms are available at the St. John’s Resort for Sunday, August 2, 2026, through Monday, August 3, 2026, at the rates of $219-$269. The room block will be released on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
To reserve, call St. John’s Resort at (734) 414-0600 and ask for the Rhonda Walker Foundation Golf Outing.
Our Sponsors Make It All Possible.
The Golf Challenge is powered by the generosity of our partners across the automotive and mobility industry. When you sponsor this event, you invest directly in the future of Detroit girls, funding scholarships and programming that move young women from potential to purpose.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors for investing in the future of Detroit girls.
Title Sponsor
Axalta
Presenting Sponsor
TI Automotive
GM VIP Experience
Dana
Exclusive Event Sponsors
Private VIP Breakfast
BASF
Cart Sponsor
Bose • James Group International
• Lear Corporation • Magna
Brunch
Mirai Casting
Dinner
Borgwarner
Networking Reception
ZF Group
Afterglow
Flex N Gate
Beverage
Shape Corporation • Bosch
Auction
NEAPCO
Cigar Bar
Denso
Golf Experience
Driving Range
FANUC America Corporation
Ignition Sponsors
Dakkota
GNS North America
Kaiser
Henniges Automotive
Detroit Quality Solutions & Staff
Little Cardinal Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available.
Benefits include brand recognition across event signage and digital channels, logo placement in the digital program book, on-course signage, sponsor banners and branded materials distributed to all guests. Select packages also include year-round visibility through RWF’s Girls into Women programming.
FAQS
What is the format?
The day features two golf experiences. The morning begins with a shotgun start on The Cardinal’s 18-hole championship course.
In the afternoon, the Little Cardinal Par-3 Golf Experience offers a walking-only short game round with a pitching lesson from the golf pro and fun contest holes.
The day continues with a networking reception, dinner and awards program with a live auction and an afterglow celebration with dessert, wine and whiskey tasting and yard games.
Can I register as a single golfer?
Yes. Individual registrations are welcome for the Little Cardinal Par-3 Golf Experience. We will pair you with a foursome so you can enjoy the full experience and make new connections on the course.
What happens if it rains?
The event is held rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, we will communicate any schedule adjustments to all registered participants in advance.
Is my registration tax deductible?
The Rhonda Walker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of your registration may be tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt following the event with the appropriate tax-deductible amount. Please consult your tax adviser for specifics.
Can I donate if I cannot attend?
Absolutely. Visit our donation page to make a contribution that directly supports RWF scholarships for Detroit teen girls.
Support Our Mission. Drive Impact. Build Connections.
For 23 years, the Rhonda Walker Foundation has been empowering Detroit teen girls to dream bigger and reach higher. The 14th Annual Golf Challenge is your opportunity to support our incredible program participants and our mission while enjoying a world-class day on one of Michigan’s most exciting new courses.
Little Cardinal sponsorships and individual golfer opportunities are limited. Secure yours today.
© 2026 Rhonda Walker Foundation. All rights reserved.