November 11, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
A new women’s golf team is coming to Paine College, monies for the start-up program will be fully funded by the Augusta National Golf Club. Chairman Fred Ridley made the announcement on Monday at his press conference which also announced golfing legend Lee Elder being honored with as an Honorary Starter with a tee shot during this years Masters.
Founded by the leadership of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, now United Methodist Church, and the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, now Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1883, a Charter of Incorporation for The Paine Institute was granted. Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones was named acting President in July 2019 and President in October 2019 at the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The college’s nickname is the “Lions” and the University is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference(SIAC). “It is going to be thrilling to chant the school motto: “Rejoicing In Hope” while witnessing their women’s golf team wearing the school colors: purple and white, said African American Golfer’s Digest Publisher Debert Cook, who shared the news across her platforms. “I’ve enjoyed visiting Payne College over the years and this gracious support from Augusta National is just another marvelous way in which they continue to support the college.”
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The private Historically Black college is located in Augusta, Georgia, remains a liberal arts, coeducational, church-related school, gratefully related to its founding denominations and open to all.
Augusta Nation will also establish the Lee Elder Scholarship, consisting of two scholarships awarded annually for both men’s and women’s golf. The scholarship honors the 45th anniversary of Elder’s first appearance at the Masters Tournament.
“Throughout my career, helping young men and women achieve their dreams through education has been a cause close to my heart. I am deeply honored to share a connection with Paine College and these scholarships, which will provide life-changing opportunities for the deserving recipients,” said Elder to brproud.com. Elder was the first Black golfer to compete in the Masters Tournament.
“We would like to thank our friends at Paine College, especially President Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, who immediately embraced the idea of honoring Lee Elder together,” Ridley said. “Through this partnership, we look forward to further cultivating our relationship with Paine College, helping the school create its first women’s golf program and celebrating Lee Elder’s distinguished legacy through these scholarships.”
