Swinging Into Action

“Have you ever tried walking in the shoes of a giant?” That’s how the incoming Wichita Open tournament director Dusty Buell put it when asked his thoughts of filling the void left by retiring tournament director Roy Turner. Like his predecessor, the new tournament director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open has long devoted his life to keeping the wheels of opportunity turning for residents of Wichita and surrounding communities. 

As a team player whose fundraising prowess has raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations in Wichita through organizing and marketing some of the city's premier special events over the past two decades, it may have seemed a foregone conclusion for board members to choose the 41-year-old to replace community pillar Roy Turner in his retirement. 

But before anything else, Buell is a devoted family man and will be the first to tell you that his wife is the real hero of the family. “Being a nurse practitioner and on the front lines and having someone’s life depending on her, she also serves this community selflessly on a daily basis,” he said. Dusty and Rebecca are the proud parents of three children, Cooper, 17, Grace, 13, and Daxx, 9. 

Hailing from Augusta, Kansas, Buell had both name recognition and a history of relevant relationships forged locally in his favor when he assumed the position in May of 2022. But it wasn't his casual involvement in golf-related activities through the years that made him the clear choice to succeed Turner as the face of Wichita's signature event. Rather, it was those numerous local business connections forged through his nonprofit interactions, combined with a keen understanding of sports gained as a successful soccer coach and college baseball player, which has positioned him to lead a team of like-minded tournament Ambassadors and officials devoted to making the tournament a memorable experience for players, fans and sponsors alike.

"My entire career I’ve been part of nonprofits and relationship-building in Wichita," Buell said. "I've spent the past 15-plus years building and stewarding trusted relationships. Those relationships have forged the path that has brought me here."

Perfect Fit

A standout athlete at Augusta High School in baseball and soccer, Buell garnered a baseball scholarship to Cloud County Community College as a center fielder in 1999. After obtaining his bachelor's degree from Emporia State University in 2004, he launched his career in marketing and fundraising, and ultimately in organizational leadership. 

After assuming the director of marketing role at Heartspring and then CEO roles with Kidzcope and Sunlight Children's Services, he is certain he has landed the perfect position as president and tournament director to implement his inclusive-minded leadership philosophy. "I feel like I was raised with a locker room mentality, which meant I was always a part of something bigger than myself," he said. "Many of those lessons learned being a part of those teams translated into my leadership style, which is why this position has been so attractive to me. The Wichita Open is the biggest team I have ever been a part of. Pairing that with professional sports, it's like I've dressed for this job my whole life — it feels I have found where I truly belong."

In this year of transition where Buell and Turner are working together in the Wichita Open office, Turner said he has learned to step back and hand Buell the reins, making himself available as needed. “I think the succession has worked as well as it possibly could, and it feels like we now have a common bond,” said Turner, who will end his lengthy tenure on July 1. “I think it was time for me to leave with my age and everything. It’s been fantastic, obviously, and my interest hasn’t wavered in any way. But Dusty is going to be really great for the Wichita Open and its future.”

Turner joked that he’ll probably stop by the Wichita Open office each morning for a cup of coffee.

Buell said that passion is the common thread between him and Turner. "He's been an incredible mentor to me, and I have had a front row seat to watch one of the greatest to ever do it. I know I just have to keep this thing going and ensure we can continually improve this golf tournament for the sake of our community and the Ambassadors. I don't want to come in and change anything that's not broken, but I do want to continue to find areas where we can give our fans, sponsors and Ambassadors added value."

Giving Back

The tournament's Ambassador Program keeps area businesses engaged year-round in activities that benefit both the tournament and member businesses. SPLURGE! is among the select 50 businesses driving the program. "If it wasn't for these Ambassadors and their love of this community, we would not have this golf tournament in Wichita today," Buell said. "They play a crucial role in everything that we do. Every single person in that group wants to see us raise even more money for local charities while showcasing Wichita on a big stage."

Adding Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as its title sponsor this year has already given a "boost of adrenaline" to the tournament's fundraising climate going forward, Buell said. Funds raised from the tournament benefit KU Wichita Pediatrics, which all leads back to the focus of Buell’s career, helping children that need it the most. 

The Wichita Open remains one of only four original Korn Ferry Tour events still in swing today. Established in 1990, the annual June tournament attracts between 50,000–55,000 spectators, generating an estimated $7.2 million in economic impact for the Wichita community. The 72-hole competition features 156 of the Korn Ferry Tour’s best golfers competing for a $1 million purse and points to obtain their PGA Tour card. 

‘I'm going into this to make sure Wichita is known throughout the world, and especially throughout the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA.’

— Dusty Buell

Ever the competitor himself, Buell has also coached the Augusta High School Orioles boys soccer team for the past 9 years. He has brought regional championships, the first ever league championship and the school’s only appearance at the State Championship. Buell has racked up accolades such as All-League coach of the year in 2019 and 2020, and 4A All-State Coach of the Year honors in 2021. His aim is to bring the same winning philosophy driving his soccer program to his role as tournament director. "We have to build this the right way, taking that same blueprint to my team here at the Wichita Open," he said. "This is not foreign territory. This is an extension of what I’ve already been doing for all these years, and that’s what gets me excited. I'm here to win. I'm here to build wins on top of wins. I don't lose. I either win or I learn.

"I'm going into this to make sure Wichita is known throughout the world, and especially throughout the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA. There are only 28 Korn Ferry Tour Tournament Directors in the world, and I feel very privileged I'm one of them. This job is 1 of 1 here in Wichita, and I am here to make sure the world knows what we already know — that this community is special."