As Monday Before The Show (MBTS) steps into its sixth year it has transcended its origins as a social gathering for Black golf professionals and enthusiasts. What started as a celebration has evolved into a powerful mechanism for philanthropy and community building.
The 6th Annual MBTS event, scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024, at Heathrow Country Club in Heathrow, Florida, promises a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. This years program honors golf pioneer and LPGA Member Phyllis G. Meekins and kicks off with an 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start. The $145.00 per player fee includes golf, cart, range balls, a swag bag, pre-round snacks, dinner, a post-round forum/panel session with the pros, including the honoree’s daughter and a former student, along with games, raffles, and prizes. This gives participants a great start before diving into the PGA Merchandise Show, the golf industry’s premier event being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
In September 2023, MBTS took a significant step in its evolution by officially becoming a 501(c)3 organization. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the history of MBTS, elevating its mission to share the rich history of Black female golf trailblazers and support grassroots organizations.
The visionaries behind MBTS, the driving force that initiated this transformative change, are the founders Ashaunta Epps and Oneda Castillo. These two dynamic individuals, both Black female golf professionals, envisioned a platform that not only celebrated the accomplishments of Black women in golf but also contributed to the betterment of communities through education and financial support. Their dedication and leadership have propelled MBTS to its current standing as a beacon of empowerment within the golfing community.
In 2019 MBTS was held at Rogers Park Golf Course, Tampa, Fla., where MBTS is based, and where memories and roots of African Americans in golf run deep, underscoring the importance of acknowledging the journey that has brought MBTS to where it stands today.
One of the significant questions that arise is, where do the proceeds from the Orlando tournament go? MBTS, staying true to its commitment to community development, funds are directed towards golf grassroots organizations. For this year, Fore Life, Inc., led by Paula Pearson-Tucker, LPGA Class A Professional, serving South Florida for over 25 years, providing golf and its decision-making skills to help vulnerable youth from underserved communities to survive and succeed, has been chosen as the recipient, embodying the spirit of giving back and supporting initiatives that align with MBTS’s mission.
While the MBTS is an event that specifically celebrates Black female golf trailblazers, it is important to note that the invitation extends to everyone, regardless of ethnicity. The inclusive nature of the event is a testament to the belief that unity and diversity strengthen the bonds within the golfing community. This event is not just about golf; it’s about fostering connections, breaking barriers, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
The MBTS stands not only as a celebration of achievements but as a symbol of empowerment, unity, and philanthropy within the golfing community. For those interested in participating or seeking additional information can visit the website www.mondaybeforetheshow.org, or contact Oneda Castillo, LPGA Master Professional, at (770) 842-5053 or Alice Brown at (813) 300-2119.
