(front row, l-r) Jerry Tarde, Debert Cook, Jim Beatty. (back row, l-r) Arnett Gill, Verbena Mcllwaine, LaJean Gould, Oneda Castillio, Kevin Shirley, Chris Word, Shawn Lindo and Lorenzo King
Having firmly established itself as a pivotal platform for networking, education, and community engagement within the golf industry. The African American Golf EXPO & Forum (AAGEF) was a resounding triumph, bringing together nearly 500 diverse individuals and organizations from the country. The event was held August 19-22 in Louisville, KY, at the historic Galt House with Title Sponsor Golf Digest among its sponsors. At the helm of this achievement was the Founder, Jim Beatty, CEO, Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, a seasoned executive with over four decades of business experience.
The EXPO has distinguished itself by delivering an enriching and multifaceted experience to its attendees while featuring a comprehensive array of activities, including insightful seminars, enlightening conference sessions, a fashion show, a cigar lounge, valuable networking opportunities, and a captivating trade show with over 50 exhibitors. These components not only facilitated connections but also provided a platform for golf industry executives, buyers, and suppliers to showcase their products and services. Among the event’s standout moments was the charitable Jim Beatty Invitational Challenge at Oxmoor Country Club and a free youth and adult golf clinic at Shawnee Golf Course.
“I am so pleased that the Expo has become an important industry event. I receive calls and emails from many people expressing their appreciation for the EXPO and how it has affected their lives in terms of jobs and or business opportunities,” stated Beatty.
A very special 4-hour bus tour sponsored by Louisville Tourism took attendees to visit such sights as the Muhammad Ali Museum, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby Museum, Black Heritage in Racing Exhibit, a Sankofa Experience at the Roots 101 African American Museum, and topped off with a delicious reception and Evan Williams bourbon tasting.
Industry awards presented at the African American Golf Expo & Forum include:
Volunteer Of The Year Award: R. Shawn Summerville, Owner, Ebony Greens.
Presented by Charlene Williams, Chief of Staff, Jim Beatty Golf Ventures.
Entrepreneur of The Year Award: Chris Word, CEO, Greenwood Golf.
Presented by Debert Cook, Publisher, African American Golfer’s Digest.
Jerry Tarde Courage and Commitment Award: Tim Finchem, commissioner of golf’s PGA Tour from 1994 to 2016. Presented by Jerry Tarde, Editor-In-Chief, Golf Digest.
Attendees had the opportunity to view the movie “Playing Through,” presented by the LPGA, which provided insights into the life of legendary golfer Ann Gregory, one of the greatest Black female golfers in history.
Dr. Dietra Trent, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on HBCUs presented the Forum Keynote.
Other distinguished speakers included Michael Cooper, Senior Consultant USGA, Lynn Demmons, CFO, Swing Into Their Dreams, Debert Cook, Publisher, African American Golfer’s Digest, Oneda Castillo, Nationally known golf instructor, Laura Diaz, LPGA, Lindsay Dresser, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, Robin Dunlap, President, Ted Rhodes Ladies Golf Assoc., Bryant Early, Sr. Regional General Manager, Invited Clubs, Earnie Ellison, Managing Partner, Ellison Consulting Group LLC, Rhett Evans, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. of America, Juan Gonzalez, Organizer, WHOVA, LeJean Gould, Founder, Women In Golf Foundation, Ashaunta Epps, CEO, A Perfect Swing, Jay Karen, CEO, National Golf Course Owners Assoc., Craig Kirby, Founder, Golf. My Future. My Game., Roger Knick, Junior Golf Hub.com, Jamie Ledford, CEO, Golf Pride, Mark Lowry, Founder, National Golf Player Development Foundation, Tracy Raoul, Chair/President, Jackson Park Golf Association, Lauren Shelly, VP of Human Resources,
, Jennifer Weiler, First Tee, Peggy Rhodes-White, CEO, Ted Rhodes Foundation Inc., Jerry Tarde, Editor-In-Chief, Golf Digest, Andrew Yeast, Senior Director, Industry Engagement, American Golf Industry Coalition, among others.
The African American Golf Expo & Forum achieved remarkable success not just as an event but as a symbol of progress and inclusivity within the golf industry. This annual event is a testament to Jim Beatty’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion. The 2024 African American Golf EXPO and Forum is being planned for August 24-27 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Learn more by visiting https://aagolfexpo.com
