Omaha, NE (April 20, 2026) — James Beatty, president of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures and founder of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum, along with Dr. Michael Cooper, industry leader; Dr. Al B. Quarles, Odis Griffin, Ro Thompson, and Desiree Walker, co-founders of the Black Golf Alliance (BGA); and Ashaunta Epps, creator of the Monday Before the Show, have announced a historic collaboration for EXPO 2027.
The Black Golf Alliance, representing more than 12,000 members, will participate in EXPO 2027 in several capacities. The collective goal is to intentionally increase BGA’s presence at both the EXPO and the PGA Show.
This collaboration will include co-hosting the Jim Beatty Invitational Tournament, encouraging members and supporters to attend workshops, support participating vendors, and experience the PGA Show firsthand on Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, the Monday Before the Show Golf Networking Event, hosted by Ashaunta Epps and Black LPGA professionals from around the country, will be positioned as a complementary opportunity—creating a full and meaningful Orlando golf experience throughout the week.
The Black Golf Alliance will also assist in identifying vendors and helping to expand the overall reach and visibility of the EXPO. This unified effort is expected to be mutually beneficial for all parties and will help elevate the impact and visibility of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum.
About the EXPO
The mission of the EXPO is to educate and inform African Americans and all people of color about the jobs, careers, and business opportunities in the $102 billion golf industry. African Americans represent less than 3% of the industry.
Founded in 2021, the EXPO has been held in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Louisville, KY; and West Palm Beach, FL. More than 3,000 people have attended, with an economic impact approaching $2.5 million.
The EXPO founder and organizer is James Beatty, CEO of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures. EXPO 2027 will take place January 25–28, 2027, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center, co-located with the PGA Show.
For more information, visit: www.aagolfexpo.com or contact: James Beatty 402-415-9615, [email protected] or Dr. Al B. Quarles 215-341-6909, [email protected]
About the Black Golf Alliance (BGA)
The Black Golf Alliance was created in 2019 to provide Black golfers with a space that reflects their culture, voices, and shared love for the game. What began as a small idea has grown into a powerful community.
The Black Golf Alliance Forum on Facebook has surpassed 12,000 members, with more than 95% identifying as African American golfers across all ages, genders, and locations in the United States and abroad.
The Alliance has raised thousands of dollars to support HBCU golf programs and junior golfers, while also creating a platform that helps launch and support Black-owned golf brands. Membership includes LPGA and PGA professionals, professional athletes, coaches, politicians, industry leaders, and everyday golfers.
Beyond the online space, the Alliance fosters mentorship, relationship-building, and business development within the Black-owned golf community. It has also helped launch brands such as Bucka Fogey Sports.
The Black Golf Alliance is more than a forum—it is a purpose-driven community built on pride and a shared vision for the future of Black golf.
About Monday Before the Show
Monday Before the Show is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating a supportive community that celebrates African American women in golf. The organization fosters fellowship, promotes the game, and highlights achievements while helping pave the way for the next generation.
To learn more, visit: https://www.mondaybeforetheshow.org/
