2015 Augusta GolfFEST

New York, NY, March 11, 2015 –The 5th Annual Augusta GolfFEST did not disappoint in bringing added excitement during the height of Masters Week.

Celebrating its fifth year, the fun-filled day of golf was again presented by the African American Golfer’s Digest, a PGA of America Diverse Supplier and the nation’s leading publication for Black American golfers. The challenge kicked-off with registration at 10:30 a.m. followed by a two-man scramble tournament at noon on Friday, April 10.  Golf enthusiasts participating came from a number of states across the nation including Mississippi, New Jersey, and as far away as Nebraska.

Set among the game’s elite, the 2015 Augusta GolfFEST brings and opportunity for great enjoyment and positive networking with the publication’s leaders, fans/followers and readership along with locals from throughout the regional area. Players teed-off (captain’s choice) for a shotgun start on the gorgeous Georgia greens of ‘the Patch’(also known as Metropolitan Golf Course) and continued their round of 18-holes on finely manicured bunkers.

James “Jim” Beatty, President, NCS International (Omaha, NE), an African American Golfer’s Digest Board Member served again as this year’s honorary tournament host.  Beatty’s naturally jovial personality captured the hearts of players and he kept the excitement going all-day long.  Beatty, by profession, has over two decades of experience in business consulting, corporate site selection and economic development.

“It was an awesome experience to share the 5th annual outing with so many terrific players.  The camaraderie was in full-effect and life-long friendships were made,” said Beatty. “We’re looking forward to presenting the 2016 golf outing.”

WINNERS:

FIRST FLIGHT

1st Place
DeWayne Hogan, Omaha Nebraska and Rudy Richard, Gasden, SC

2nd Place
Jacklyn McClamb Cary, NC, Ester Pearson Apex, NC and Bev Harrison, North Bergan NJ,

3rd Place
Kendricke Waldon, Augusta,GA and Desiree Walker, Myrtle Beach SC

SECOND FLIGHT
1st Place
Evelyn Hayes, Birmingham AL and Gloria Dennard, Birmingham, AL

2nd Place
Earlie Simmons, Pelham, AL and Corine Williams, Huntsville, AL

Tournament Chairman Jim Beatty and members of the tournament committee also had the opportunity to attend a reception hosted in a private mansion by GOLF IRELAND.   The Augusta Young Professionals held a networking event at the Patch on Thursday night, which was attended by over 100 young black professionals from the Augusta and Atlanta area.

Beatty’s additional activities included a  meeting with the Augusta Aviation Commissioner Mr James Germany who was in attendance at the Masters on Saturday.

Coach Herman D. Belton, Men and Women Golf Coach for Benedict College in nearby Columbia SC shared his coaching philosophies on Thursday and asked for the groups assistance in recruiting players for their program. It is with great pride that Jim Beatty has several relatives, great uncles and his grandfather, who are 1915 graduates of Benedict College.

Additional excitement was added when radio talk show host Ken J. Makin of the Spirit,WKZK (www.wkzk.net) interviewed Beatty in Augusta for a scoop on the 5th annual golf outing.  He also interviewed several of the participants through a live remote from the Augusta Municipal Golf Course clubhouse.

One of the most interesting personalities in attendance was Desiree Walker who, after 10 years as a law enforcement office in the DC area, decided to leave that career and pursue a full-time career in golf.  Walker is currently in Myrtle Beach SC working at a resort and pursuing her goal as a golf instructor. Follow her blog HERE.

“I sincerely wish to thank all of the participants and our Tournament Committee: Burrell Williams from Omaha,NE, Becky Wright and Deborah Thornton, both from Atlanta, GA and Mark Artis from Amarillo, TX.,” said Beatty.

For golfers who may have missed the MASTERS this year, here is the link to get registered for next year’s MASTERS. This will get you on the list to try to get passes for 2016.  https://tickets.masters.com/en_US/index.html

For more information about the 2016 Augusta GolfFEST please contact Debert Cook at (212) 571-6559 or email DebertCook

ABOUT Augusta GolfFEST
Augusta GolfFEST is a celebration that unites the empowering combination of golf and African American history while being dedicated to motivating, educating and entertaining all persons who seek a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The annual event is open to everyone and its Planning Committee members invite all who are in Augusta during the week to consider joining them. The event programming supports our continuous efforts of educating, informing and enlightening the world on the significant history and contributions made by African Americans to golf.

All of our efforts aid in generating funds that are used to help continue making a positive difference in the sport for African Americans, through our print publication, online website and social conversations. We believe that the game of golf should reflect the value of personal work and commitments put forth by generations of Black golfers, Black golf industry professionals and Black-owned and operated golf businesses.

All related programs and events are open to the public and designed with the whole family in mind for enjoying fun, fitness, exhibits and educational forums that celebrate African American history and excellence in golf. The agenda is continuously updated to to provide attendees with an opportunity to sample products, enjoy entertaining artists, and listen to speakers that inspirem and enlighten you on how golf can be included as part of a healthy lifestyle, professional career or business. For more information and continuous updates visit www.AugustaGolfFEST.com

ABOUT Augusta Municipal Golf Course (The Patch)
Adorably referred to as “the Patch” Augusta Municipal golf course used to be farmland, years ago, where cabbages were grown. Today, it is a magnificent piece of real estate where golfers can enjoy “A touch of Scotland and a piece of Augusta,” says Chairman Brian Hendry, an Aberdeen businessman, who was granted a 12-year lease on the course by the city of Augusta in 2012. It’s prime location is only a five-minute drive from Augusta Country Club and just a further few minutes to a sign saying ‘Augusta National Golf Club-Members Only”. Closed for a little while, the ‘Patch’ course and its clubhouse have undergone significant renovations. Soon hole thirteen will have a Scottish Bunker (unlucky for some), it will be named after a quarry in Aberdeen in Scotland – in its day it was the largest man made hole in Europe. Any golfer who lands in this bunker, we hope you’re not keeping score. When you do get up and down from it in regular play, make sure you come into the pro shop for your “prize,” says the course website.