AVONDALE, La. — Two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith continued his remarkable journey from professional basketball to competitive golf on Tuesday, posting a memorable performance during the opening round of the inaugural Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Michael Eaves Classic & Celebrity Pro-Am at TPC Louisiana.
Competing as an amateur in the 36-hole event, Smith highlighted his round with a birdie on the par-4 second hole and displayed consistent ball striking throughout the day by recording 10 pars against a challenging field of APGA Tour professionals. Although he encountered adversity with a bogey on the third hole, Smith settled into a steady rhythm, carding pars on eight of the next 11 holes before finishing the round at 9-over-par.
While his score did not place him among the tournament leaders, Smith’s performance underscored the tremendous progress he has made in golf since transitioning from one professional sport to another.
The former NBA standout enjoyed a distinguished 16-year basketball career, winning NBA championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and clutch performances, Smith surprised the sports world when he enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University in 2021 to pursue a college education while joining the Aggies’ Division I men’s golf program.
In May 2026, Smith earned his bachelor’s degree from the Greensboro, North Carolina, HBCU, completing a remarkable second chapter in his athletic career. During his five seasons with the Aggies (2021–2026), he competed in collegiate tournaments while becoming a powerful ambassador for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), inspiring both traditional students and adult learners through his commitment to education and personal growth.
Smith’s presence at the APGA Michael Eaves Classic further reflects his dedication to supporting organizations that promote diversity and expanded opportunities in golf.
The inaugural tournament is hosted by longtime APGA supporter Michael Eaves, the ESPN SportsCenter anchor, golf broadcaster, and seven-time Emmy Award winner. Named in his honor, the event features a $25,000 purse, including an $8,000 first-place prize, and brings together many of the nation’s top minority professional golfers alongside celebrity participants at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, just outside New Orleans.
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s opening round, Willie Mack III and Andrew Fernandes shared the lead after each fired impressive 5-under-par 67s.
Mack, the APGA Tour’s winningest active player with 19 career victories, continued his outstanding season with another strong performance. Fernandes, of Cerritos, California, matched Mack’s score to earn a share of the overnight lead.
Close behind were Gregory Odom Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee, and Steve Kibare of Canton, Georgia, who each finished the opening round at 3-under-par, setting up an exciting final day of competition.
The 46-player field returns to TPC Louisiana on Wednesday for the tournament’s final round, with tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m. CT.
Founded in 2010, the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour has become one of the leading organizations dedicated to increasing diversity throughout professional golf. Established as a nonprofit organization, the APGA provides competitive tournament opportunities, player development initiatives, mentorship programs, and youth outreach designed to inspire an inclusive future through the game.
The organization has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2026, the APGA Tour is conducting 12 professional tournaments while awarding more than $1 million in prize money and performance bonuses. Its Player Development Program continues to assist aspiring professionals with coaching, financial support, and career guidance as they pursue opportunities on the PGA TOUR and other professional circuits.
Events such as the Michael Eaves Classic not only provide valuable competitive opportunities for emerging professionals but also showcase golf’s expanding reach across diverse communities. Smith’s participation exemplifies that mission, demonstrating that golf can serve as both a lifelong pursuit and a bridge connecting athletes from different sports and backgrounds.
Although Smith’s competitive basketball career is behind him, his commitment to golf continues to capture attention. From earning a college degree and competing for an HBCU golf team to teeing it up alongside some of the APGA Tour’s top professionals, he has embraced the game with the same determination that made him an NBA champion.
As the inaugural APGA Michael Eaves Classic concludes, Smith’s journey stands as another reminder that success in golf is measured not only by scores, but also by perseverance, growth, and the willingness to take on new challenges.
