Every spring, the sound of golf clubs replaces snare drums for a few days in Nashville as audio professionals from across the country gather for one of the industry’s most anticipated traditions: the AudioMasters Benefit Golf Tournament. Now entering its 27th year, the two-day event is set to take place May 15–16 at Harpeth Hills Golf Course, bringing together engineers, sponsors, and audio enthusiasts in support of a meaningful cause.
Hosted by the AES Nashville Section and produced by Karen Dunn of KMD Productions, the tournament raises funds for the Nashville Engineer Relief Fund (NERF)—a nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance to members of Nashville’s audio community during times of crisis.
A statement from the company discloses that the AudioMasters was “founded as a way for the Nashville audio community to rally together in support of fellow audio pros in times of crisis,” and over the years, it has evolved into more than just a fundraiser. Today, it’s a cornerstone event in the professional audio calendar, blending networking, camaraderie, and philanthropy in a laid-back, outdoor setting.
The tournament is split into two themed days: DiGiCo AudioMasters Live on Thursday, May 15, and API AudioMasters Studio Day on Friday, May 16. Each day includes not only competitive golf but also a mix of food, beverages, gear showcases, and community spirit. And as always, attendees can expect appearances from distinguished figures in the industry.
This year’s special guests include John McBride, co-owner of Blackbird Studio and Director of The Blackbird Academy, who will join the festivities on Thursday. Friday’s guest will be Marc Repp, a pioneer in broadcast engineering whose extensive credits include mixing over 250 major award shows and 400 music-variety specials.
A statement from the company highlights Repp’s decades of experience, including “30 years as the primary audio mixer for the CMA Awards,” underscoring the caliber of talent and legacy being celebrated during the tournament.
Beyond the greens, the event is backed by a wide array of sponsors from across the audio and entertainment world. This year’s lineup includes major names like Shure, Solid State Logic (SSL), Genelec, Blackbird Studios, L-Acoustics, Audio-Technica, and the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing, among many others. Their involvement reinforces the strong sense of community and shared purpose that defines the AudioMasters.
And yes, there’s still time to get involved. A statement from the company notes that “single-player and foursome registration is still available for Live Day (Thursday) along with a very limited number of spots for Studio Day (Friday).”
Whether you're an audio professional looking to give back, a sponsor seeking to connect with the industry's best, or simply a golf enthusiast with a passion for sound, the AudioMasters offers a unique and impactful way to engage.
For registration and sponsorship details, visit the AudioMasters Nashville Benefit Golf Tournament website or contact Karen Dunn at karen@kmdpro.com.
