In the early 1970s, a group of community-minded, lake-area residents realized the need for medical services to treat existing homeowners and the growing second homeowner, retiree and tourist populations. Then, the closest hospital was 50 miles away. Many people who suffered trauma, heart attacks or other serious health conditions did not survive because medical assistance was not immediately available.

Harold Koplar, founder of The Lodge of Four Seasons, was one of the visionaries who believed the area needed a hospital. To help provide funding, the annual HK's Hospital Benefit Golf Tournament (named for Koplar) was established. In January 1978, Lake of the Ozarks General Hospital, later renamed Lake Regional Hospital, opened its doors.

The annual golf tournament — traditionally held the first weekend in June — has earned nearly $2.5 million for Lake Regional medical departments and for the purchase of new medical equipment. Areas of the hospital that have benefited from past tournaments include the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Obstetrics Department, Cancer Center, Wound Healing Center, Cardiac Cath Lab and Orthopedics.

For information about the 35th Annual HK’s Hospital Benefit Golf Tournament, scheduled June 7-9, 2013, at The Lodge of Four Seasons, visit HKsGolf.com.