December 22, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
There is something new growing in the ‘Blue Grass’ state of Kentucky, where the word is quickly spreading all around the Appalachian mountains, and beyond, about the African American Amateur Golfers’ Association. The for-profit LLC officially launched in November and the five-member Board of the Louisville-based club is excited about what’s on the horizon.
Also known as the Triple AGA (A³GA ), the club is committed to “Building bridges one round at a time!” and started with only a few dozen guys who used to get together to play on weekends. Today they’re on a mission to be the leader in the amateur golf experience by promoting play within their community and showing how the game of golf can forge lasting bonds and build bridges to opportunities that may have never been realized without participation.
“We want to introduce the game to people as an organization that hosts events that are PGAish, but not necessarily following the PGA process, for right now,” says R. Shawn Summerville, one of A³GA’s five founders. The other Founding Board Members are H Lee Cecil III, Derek Babbage, Othello Bell and Kim Clay.
“As we start off, we want to make our tournaments interesting and fun for everyone.” The first A³GA event is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, during the heightened frenzy of Kentucky Derby Week. “It’s all about the experience, exposure, and development of the organization, says Summerville, a Chicago native who relocated to Louisville several years ago.
“We’re looking to host a fantastic, day-long outing, followed by an awards ceremony fundraising activities, cigars, bourbon, heavy-socializing, and thrilling entertainment,” All for fun, prizes, and bragging rights in a metropolitan “Derby Week” atmosphere that attracts celebrities, high-rollers, and golf enthusiasts.
“A³GA events will be held at the best courses, with onsite amenities for the players that will rival any professional tour event,” remarked Summerville. And, if all goes as planned, A³GA’s tournament may become an annual part of the Kentucky Derby’s official calendar of events.
The April 24th, 18 hole tournament is slated as “The Lucky Draw Challenge” (no handicap scoring), at the end of the round players are paired with other players and the lowest score team becomes the winner. All for fun, prizes, and bragging rights. Original Lucky Draw host, Sanctuaire Brands, will now co-host the eight-year-old annual event with the A3GA. Sanctuaire is a luxury cigar accessories and lifestyle brand that specializes in high-end custom cigar cases, events and is now in the process of opening a flagship lounge in the heart of downtown Louisville that will play host to the tours many special 19th Hole events.
With an amateur golf tournament such as this, the organizers strongly believe it will attract golfers from across the region to travel in for a marvelous Derby Week, arriving a few days earlier and/or stay a few days afterward. “So, our tournament program will be great for growing the city’s tourism numbers while also benefiting local establishments and connecting golfers across the region with others who love this game.”
To enhance the club’s growth, A³GA has already solidified several successful partnerships and is already working with local mentoring organizations and The First Tee. “We hope to change the way of life for the ‘forgotten group’,” said Summerville, referring to individuals who are ignored or marginalized by society. The aim of A³GA is to get these individuals involved in playing the sport, and possibly even careers in the golf industry.
“Golf has survived during the pandemic, and it has actually thrived,” said Summerville. Reports have shown that the game experienced some growth during the pandemic, as one of the safest sports to participate in for social distancing during Covid-19, and by getting people outside, exercising, relieving stress, and tension.
A³GA Club Membership
Membership at A³GA is open to men and women of all skill levels from diversified backgrounds and, welcomes all levels of players regardless of race, gender, age, and socio-economic status. Membership registration just opened on the website at an annual fee is $79.99 for the first 200 members that sign up and $99 afterward. Members are eligible to compete in sponsored A³GA Tour events, receive discounts arranged with golf courses, certified instructors, simulator play, and more.
A³GA Tour Events
Select A³GA Tour events plan to host professional athletes, entertainers, community and corporate leaders, and notable amateur golf enthusiasts while providing a competitive 10-week Tour using standard handicaps.
“Yes, we’re really excited and hope to create more sponsorships, partnerships and relationships to grow the club and to possibly make it national in scope, with chapters in cities across America and host a Championship match.”
With this vision A³GA may soon become nationally recognized as the premiere amateur golf organization for weekend warriors.
To learn more visit their website 3AGA.com and like and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
