With over a dozen events on their 2016-2017 calendar, the Browns Mill Women’s Golf Association (BMWGA) is adept to keeping its members engaged in a swath of activities Including regular monthly play, weekly 9-hole play (Thurs), destination tournaments and frequent ad-hoc outings.
Most notable is the Club’s 18th Annual Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament/Trip, held June 9-12, 2016. With 182 golfers from 18 states attending it stands among the largest annual gathering of African American women golfers in the nation.
BMWGA Original Members Standing L-R: Gloria Walker Phyllis Nash, Guest Evelyn Cummings, Paula Tucker, sponsor Mattie Peterson, Beulah Moore. Back row: Yvonne Garrett (blue blazer), Joe Holmond (Golf Instructor), Guest (unknown), Deborah Terry. Background: Sponsor Mary Allen. Kneeling: Robin Simmons, Guest (unknown), Kim McLean.
In The Beginning …
Founded in September 1996 by a group of African American women interested in learning more about the game of golf, there were eight members: Mary J. Allen (Vice President/Treasurer), Evelyn Cummings, Yvonne Garett, Kim McLean (Secretary), Beulah Moore, Mattie Peterson (Founder), Robin Simmons (President) and Gloria Walker. The Club was supported by two sponsors: Paula Tucker and Deborah Terry. These women sought the help of three very knowledgeable golf instructors: Mr. William Lewis (who was course manager and head pro at Browns Mill Golf Course), Willie Burkes and Joe Holmond, and Dr. Nellie Randall (deceased Dec. 2015). These instructors got the women off to a great start!
MISSION STATEMENT:
Their mission then as it still is today; to provide a supportive and positive environment, where every member has the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about golf and to continually develop golf skills.
Melody Mixon, President, Browns Mill Womens Golf Association
Club President, Melody Mixon, is a diligent leader whose efforts have aided in a continued expansion of the organization that welcomes new and experienced women golfers.
Browns Mill Golf Course is located just minutes from downtown Atlanta and even closer to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The18-hole, open-design, par 72 course was designed by George Cobb and measures 6,539 yards. With the support of the current golf course manager, Tyrone Swain, Browns Mill will remain the Club’s home course.
Every October, the BMWGA members along with lady Georgia golfers compete against Driving Force Ladies and other lady Alabama golfers in the Georgia-Alabama shootout. This friendly competition alternates between Atlanta and Montgomery each year. This year the Georgia golfers will be looking to bring the trophy back to Georgia.
For more information on the Browns Mill Womens Golf Association:
CONTACT
Browns Mill Women’s Golf Association (BMWGA)
480 Cleveland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30354
Tel: 770-310-8815
brownsmill.com
Current Browns Mill Women’s Golf Association Members at 2016 Myrtle Beach Tournament.
Above: Golfers warm up before teeing off at the BMWGA Golf 2016 Myrtle Beach tournament.
Above: 2016 Myrtle Beach Welcome Night (L-R): Adrienne Malvin, Connye Hardy-Jones, Bettie Dixon (2016 Vice President), Kiki Holmond.
Above: Cooling off in the shade (L-R) Betty Prichard (2016 Handicap Chair), Marva Simpson (2016 Parliamentarian), Joyce Evans (2016 Recording Secretary), Paula Valentine (2016 Treasurer) , Nikita LeJerrel (2015 Club Champion).
Above: Getting Ready –Tournament Day 2, L-R: Twanda Mickle, Sylvia Goldman (2016 Corresponding Secretary)
