The Diffie Classic Returns for Second Year with Golf and Concert Benefit Supporting First Steps
The two-day Nashville event honors Joe Diffie’s legacy while continuing his longstanding commitment to children with special needs.
The Diffie Classic is set to return September 21–22, 2026, marking its second year as a combined golf tournament and live music event honoring the life and legacy of GRAMMY Award-winning country artist Joe Diffie. The event will take place across two Nashville-area venues, bringing together music and community support for a cause closely tied to Diffie’s family.
The two-day schedule begins Monday, September 21, with a golf tournament at 12 Stones Crossing Golf Club in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. The following evening, September 22, a live concert will be held at the Nashville Palace, featuring multiple artists. Both events are structured to raise funds for First Steps, a Nashville-based nonprofit organization.
Proceeds from the 2026 event will benefit First Steps, which provides education, therapy, and support services for children with special needs and medical conditions. The organization held personal significance for Diffie and his family. His son Tyler, who has Down syndrome, participated in First Steps’ early intervention and child development programs for several years. Between 1992 and 2004, Diffie actively supported the organization through benefit concerts and golf tournaments under the Country Steps In For First Steps banner.
“Dad loved golf and his family and was deeply appreciative of everything First Steps did for Tyler,” said Parker Diffie and Travis Humes, Diffie’s sons and organizers of The Diffie Classic. “We’re proud to partner with First Steps to help further their important work in our community.”
Heather Higgins, Executive Director of First Steps, emphasized Diffie’s longstanding commitment to the organization’s mission. “Through years of concerts and golf tournaments, he championed the mission of First Steps, sharing widely the importance of early intervention for children with special needs and medical conditions,” Higgins said. “We are incredibly proud to see Joe Diffie’s legacy come full circle again through his family’s support.”
The golf tournament will feature four-person teams competing in a best-ball scramble format. Registration is priced at $800 per team, which includes participation in both days of events, along with golf, cart access, meals, beverages, and event merchandise. Sponsorship packages are also available, ranging from $500 Gold Hole Sponsor opportunities to $5,000 Platinum Title Sponsor options.
Access to the September 22 concert at the Nashville Palace is included with tournament registration. A limited number of standalone concert tickets will also be available for attendees not participating in the golf tournament.
First Steps continues to serve children from infancy through age 12 through its Pediatric Therapy Program, Community Outreach Program, and Child Development Center. These initiatives provide therapies, early education, and inclusive care environments designed to support both children and their families.
The Diffie Classic continues to build on Joe Diffie’s legacy of philanthropy, connecting the country music community with a cause that played a meaningful role in his personal and professional life.
For More Informations or the Register: The Diffie Classic
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