Jim Thorpe Invitational (L-R) Ron Jones, John Perry, Jim Thorpe and Reggie Shell.Jim Thorpe’s Inaugural Premier 36-Hole Golf Tournament kicked off on February 25 at 2:30 pm at Champions Gate Golf Club, Omni Resort in Orlando, Fla., with a golf clinic led by former PGA Champions Tour winners Jim Thorpe and Jim Dent along with US Kids Golf Certified Instructor John Montgomery. The unparalleled event was presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by the resurged United Golfers Association for youth and adults. The 3-day event took place under the radar of many Orlando, Florida residents. It wasn’t highly advertised or promoted; I sorta stumbled onto it myself. The Invitational was created as a 2-day tournament open to “Elite Minority Junior Golfers” ages 18 and under.Â
A 6:00 pm Welcome Reception was held on the 10th tee of the International Course on Day 1 and the competitors teed off from there, as well for the challenge. An exciting Professional and Pro-Am competition took place in conjunction with the junior participants. All events were played using USGA rules and modifications and the US Kids Golf Tournament Hard Card for youth. Only players in the 9 and under age group are “required” to have caddies for this event. All other players were deemed they “may not” have a caddie. Spectators were welcomed wit free admission to watch the juniors and Pro.
(far right) Father and daughter from Tampa, Fla., with 9-year-old Tyler Lambert and her mother Erin Pitts (left) from Washington, D.C.The tournament attracted junior players from all over the U.S., as well as Canada and the Caribbean. Boys and girls, age 9 and under, participated in a stroke play format (18 holes tournament). Age groups 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18, played 18 holes each day (36-hole tournament).
On Saturday, Feb. 26, a delicious dinner was served at the Georgia Convention Center during a very informative two-hour (4pm-6pm) “Investing In You” panel discussion with HBCU Alumni, Tour Players, parents, and industry professionals.
From the up-close and personal view that I witnessed today, Jim’s tournament has super potential to become a showcase event for the Central Florida area. Especially with it being played less than one week ahead of Orlando’s Signature Event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which starts March 3rd.Â
Nathan Lambert, who turned 3 years old on February 9th. shows off his skills at Jim Thorpe Invitational.So far it appears Jim has done a magnificent job recruiting sponsors for this inaugural event, but if more sponsors, promoters, and supporters get on board with this definitely, worthwhile junior event, I think the sky’s the limit.
Hat’s off to Jim Thorpe, one of our original, trailblazing pioneers among Black golfers. We’ve lost Charlie, Calvin, and Lee, so let’s give Jim all the support we can while we still have him.
John Perry (left) with Justin Blazer, Tournament Manager, Jim Thorpe Invitational.Follow Jim Thorpe Golf and see reels and more photos from the tournament on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimthorpegolf/
View more from the Jim Thorpe Invitation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jimthorpeinvitational
