New York, NY, March 5, 2015 – For the fifth year, Augusta GolfFEST, a fun-filled day of golf is being hosted by the African American Golfer’s Digest, a PGA of America Diverse Supplier and the nation’s leading publication for Black American golfers. The challenging day kicks-off with registration at 10:30 a.m. followed by a two-man scramble tournament at Noon on Friday, April 10, as enthusiasts of the game gather in Augusta, Georgia during the most heightened event of golf, the Masters.
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 who attend in the Augusta regional area. Players will tee-off (captain’s choice) for a shotgun start on the gorgeous Georgia greens of ‘the Patch’ and continue their round of 18-holes on finely manicured bunkers where challenge awaits.
James “Jim” Beatty, President, NCS International (Omaha, Nebraska) and an African American Golfer’s Digest Board Member serves again as this year’s honorary tournament host and he is overseeing player registrations, pairings, scoring…and making sure everyone has an overall good time! Beatty has over two decades of experience in business consulting, corporate site selection and economic development.
(Photo left: James Beatty)
“Jim and I are thrilled to welcome everyone to join us for another year of excitement in Augusta,” says Debert Cook, publisher of the 15-year old subscription-based print magazine that serves 80,000 readers quarterly. Even during trying economical times for the print industry, Ms. Cook has successfully retained the publication as an excellent periodical of golf news that is geared to this niche audience.
“We welcome everyone to play with us during Masters Week and expect to have a grand time with great camaraderie and challenging golf at ‘the Patch‘,” says Beatty. “Mostly, we wish to get better acquainted with our loyal subscribers while also spreading the word about the magazine to those who are unfamiliar with it.”
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. Its 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.
For more information, to register to play and learn about sponsorship opportunities 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 provide attendees with an opportunity to sample products, enjoy entertaining artists, and listen to speakers that inspire and enlighten you on how golf can be included as part of a healthy lifestyle, professional career or business.
