This summer, golfers and supporters of education alike will gather for a special occasion with purpose behind every swing. The Gaming for Good Golf Open, hosted by the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI), is more than just a sporting event—it’s a heartfelt effort to change lives through education. The 2025 tournament will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Marine Park Golf Course, 2880 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY.
Originally launched in Mamaroneck, White Plains, NY, the event has steadily grown in both size and impact. At its core, the Golf Open is a scholarship fundraiser supporting Caribbean students who demonstrate academic promise but face economic hardship. Many of these students are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
“Our goal is to break generational cycles of poverty by opening doors to education,” said a Ann-Marie Grant, Executive Director, AFUWI. “This event helps turn that vision into reality.”
This year’s tournament also commemorates Caribbean American Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Caribbean people to the progress and development of the United States. “It’s not just about scholarships,” Grant noted. “It’s about acknowledging and honoring the vibrant legacy of the Caribbean diaspora.”
The event is being managed by the golf course in collaboration with AFUWI. Its primary goals include raising scholarship funds, increasing public awareness about the lack of access to higher education in the Caribbean, and uniting people with a shared mission to uplift marginalized communities. Grant stated that “Only 20 to 25 percent of people in the English-speaking Caribbean attend college. This tournament is our way of changing that.”
Golfers and guests can expect more than just time on the green. Activities will include raffles, auctions, board games, domino competitions, and a lively awards reception and party featuring delicious Caribbean cuisine and live entertainment. “We want people to have fun while doing good,” continued Grant. “It’s a celebration with purpose.”
“Together, we can change lives,” said an Grant. “Each donation, each registration, is an investment in a young person’s future.”
Since its founding, AFUWI has awarded over 650 scholarships and bursaries, helping transform students into professionals and leaders who give back to their communities. Thanks to sponsors like Caribbean Food Delights, Tower Isles Patties, and Jammins Events, this tradition continues in 2025.
This isn’t just a golf tournament. It’s a chance to play for a cause, party with a purpose, and invest in the future. As the event nears, organizers are urging the public to register, spread the word, and join the movement to empower the next generation. Interested persons are encouraged to register early at www.afuwigolfopen.org. For more information on registration, sponsorship, or volunteering contact mwallace@afuwi.org or amgrant@afuwi.org or by calling 212-759-9345 or 917-863-2392.
