Public Invited to Lincoln Emancipation Statue Unveiling at African American Civil War Museum

The dedication of the new Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation Statue will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. outside the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, D.C. This free, outdoor celebration serves as a prelude to the museum’s grand reopening on Veterans Day, November 11, following its extensive renovation.
The statue, sculpted by Stan Watts, depicts Abraham Lincoln seated as he signs the Emancipation Proclamation, symbolizing freedom for enslaved people in the Confederate states. Installed earlier in September, the bronze work connects Lincoln’s decisive act to the heroism of the United States Colored Troops, whose sacrifice is also honored at the adjacent Spirit of Freedom monument.
The dedication, chaired by the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, will feature music, Civil War re-enactors, speakers, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and light refreshments. The date of the unveiling holds special significance, marking the anniversary of Lincoln’s preliminary proclamation in 1862.
The Lincoln statue adds a powerful new element to the museum, which occupies the historic Grimké School. The museum has long highlighted the overlooked role of the 209,145 Black soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union during the Civil War. The unveiling underscores a narrative of freedom, courage, and resilience, while setting the stage for the museum’s renewed mission to educate future generations about this vital history.
Visitors and community members are invited to witness this historic and educational event, which promises to be both moving and inspiring as it celebrates freedom and union.
Ashaunta Epps Releases New Book: “A Perfect Swing – Inspiring Lessons on Golf, Leadership, and Life”

Charlotte, NC — LPGA golf professional, speaker, and author Ashaunta Epps announces the release of her much-anticipated debut book, A Perfect Swing, a powerful guide that blends the fundamentals of golf with lessons on confidence, focus, and achieving success both on and off the course.
“Golf has always been more than a sport. It’s a mirror for life. Every swing teaches you about patience, resilience, and the importance of alignment,” says Epps. A Perfect Swing captures this philosophy, offering readers not only practical insights into the game but also strategies for leadership, personal growth, and balance.
In celebration of the book’s launch, Ashaunta is available for keynote speeches, golf clinics, and book signings. She is also the founder of A Perfect Swing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth initiative dedicated to introducing and expanding access to golf for youth while instilling life lessons through the game.
Ashaunta Epps is an LPGA golf professional, golf instructor, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to making the game of golf accessible and transformative for players of all levels. Known for her dynamic teaching style and her ability to connect the dots between sport, business, and personal development, Ashaunta has worked with athletes, leaders, and organizations to help them discover their “perfect swing” in life.
With over 25 years of experience, Ashaunta has built a reputation as both a trusted golf instructor and an engaging speaker. As the founder of A Perfect Swing, Inc., which includes A Perfect Swing Foundation for youth ages 6–18 and A Perfect Swing Golf Association for adults, she continues to teach the values of discipline, focus, and resilience through the game of golf.
A Perfect Swing is her debut book, designed to inspire anyone ready to improve both their game and their life. The book is now available on Amazon.
Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour Lights Up Las Vegas for the APGA at TPC Las Vegas September 22-24
Wyatt Worthington II – champion of the first event of the 2024 APGA Farmers Insurance® Fall Series and the 2023 APGA at TPC Las Vegas – among 40-player field;
36-hole competition Tuesday and Wednesday is preceded by practice rounds on Monday
The Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour will host its 12th event of 2025, the APGA at TPC Las Vegas, from September 22 to 24. This tournament marks the first of three competitions in the APGA Farmers Insurance Fall Series, offering a $25,000 purse, with $7,500 awarded to the winner. Forty players will compete for 500 points toward the Jeff Dailey Standings, with tournament week beginning on September 22 with practice rounds, followed by two days of official play.
The field features many of the APGA Tour’s top names. Among them are Wyatt Worthington II, a three-time APGA champion and four-time PGA Championship competitor who won the event in 2023; Chase Johnson, a two-time APGA Player of the Year and 2025 U.S. Open participant; and Willie Mack III, the winningest active APGA golfer with 15 titles. Rising talents like Marcus Mullins, a Las Vegas native, and Jonathan Yoshihiro, the most recent Mastercard Tour Championship winner, will also compete. Other notable participants include Luis Gagne, John-Baptiste Hakizimana, Kamaiu Johnson, Kevin Hall, Troy Taylor II, Gregory Odom Jr., Jaime Lopez Rivarola, Aaron Beverly, Michael Bradham, Brian Ohr, and Everett Whiten Jr.
The APGA, founded in 2010, is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in golf. Beyond professional tournaments, the APGA operates programs that provide young golfers from underrepresented communities with access to lessons, equipment, scholarships, and opportunities to pursue professional careers.
The APGA Farmers Insurance Fall Series is a pivotal part of the season, as players strive to accumulate Jeff Dailey Standings points. Named after former Farmers Insurance CEO Jeff Dailey, the system rewards consistent excellence throughout the year. The top player will be honored as APGA Tour Player of the Year, earning a $25,000 bonus. This event at TPC Las Vegas promises high-level competition and an important step toward that recognition.
ABOUT THE APGA TOUR:
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf. The APGA Tour Board of Directors works to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conducting 18 tournaments awarding over $1 million in prize and bonus money in 2024, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid golfers as they work to chase their goals in professional golf.

ST. LOUIS, September 18, 2025 – The Daugherty Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Daugherty Enterprises, and the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour are proud to announce the 2025 APGA Daugherty Foundation Championship, to be held at the historic Glen Echo Country Club from September 30 to October 2, with a Kickoff Celebration the evening of September 29. The week’s main event, a two-day professional men’s tournament, will be complemented by a women’s tournament and a youth clinic and dinner, all aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting diversity in golf.
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization with the mission to bring greater diversity to the game of golf. The tour provides a platform for golfers to compete and hone their skills, preparing them for the highest levels of professional golf. The St. Louis community is invited to watch the professionals compete.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the APGA Tour to not only keep this championship in St. Louis but make it even more impactful both for the players and for St. Louis. This event is about more than just a golf tournament; it’s about investing in the next generation, creating inclusive opportunities, and supporting the incredible talent of athletes from diverse backgrounds,” said Ron Daugherty, Founder and CEO of Daugherty Enterprises.
The championship week will feature the main 36-hole men’s tournament on Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 2. Concurrently, a special women’s tournament will take place on Wednesday morning. Later Wednesday afternoon, APGA Tour professionals will host a youth clinic, providing hands-on instruction and mentorship to local students.
“We welcome the community to watch talented APGA male and female athletes compete, and to watch the fun of over 100 area youth working with these APGA professionals to learn golf basics in the clinic,” added Daugherty.
Public Event Schedule:
Wednesday, Oct. 1:
- Women’s Golf Tournament: Tee off at 7:45 a.m.
- Winner’s Presentation: 3:00 p.m.
- Men’s Championship, First Round Tee times from 8:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Youth Golf Clinic: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Men’s Championship, Final Round Tee times from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Final Awards Ceremony: Approximately 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 2:
- Men’s Championship, Final Round Tee times from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Final Awards Ceremony: Approximately 3:00 p.m.
All events will be held at Glen Echo Country Club, 3401 Lucas and Hunt Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121.
About Daugherty Foundation:
Driven by a legacy of business expertise and an unwavering commitment to community, Daugherty Enterprises is combining innovation with compassion to revolutionize Alzheimer’s care. Our founder, Ron Daugherty, built a name for himself solving challenges for Fortune 500 companies—now, he’s leading the charge with a team that’s ready to address one of the most pressing health crises of our time. The combined impact of Daugherty Enterprises and the Daugherty Foundation is taking St. Louis to the next level.
About the APGA Tour:
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring an inclusive future through the game of golf. The APGA Tour Board of Directors works diligently to accomplish this by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs, and by introducing the game to inner city young people. In addition to conducting 16 tournaments awarding more than $1 million in prize and bonus money, the APGA has organized a Player Development Program to aid golfers as they work to chase their professional golf goals.
Recap from Roland Parrish Celebrity Foundation Pro-Am Golf Classic

The Roland Parrish Celebrity Golf Event goes down in Dallas/Fort Worth golf history as the first to showcase the talents of African American women pro and amateur golfers. It was held Friday, September 12th at The Golf Club of Dallas in Dallas, Texas.
Mr. Roland Parrish provided a platform and encouraged the women to follow their dreams in the wonderful world of golf at the highest level. He put up $5,000 as the initial purse for the first African American Women Professional Golf Competition in DFW.

A phone call to Renee Powell, Golf Hall of Fame golfer and the second Black woman to play on the LPGA Tour in 1967 (Althea Gibson was the first), made the day even more special. Renee spoke via phone to Kennedi, Kendall, April, and Makalia as they waited on Hole #3, a par 3, for the group in front of them to finish. The ladies were ecstatic when told Renee Powell was on the line and wanted to talk to them. The joy and happiness they expressed to speak with a living legend was indescribable.
Kudos to Mr. Roland Parrish, Rodney Baker (Event Coordinator), the Parrish Foundation staff, Golf Club of Dallas staff, State Senator Royce West, and Deputy Constable Tracy Gulley, the first African American female constable in Dallas County!

Celebrities included Dallas Cowboys legends and Super Bowl champions Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Everson Walls, Ray Mickens (NFL All-Pro), Tim Brown (NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman winner), Eugene Lockhart (Dallas Cowboys legend), Jonathan Scott (NFL Pro), Damontre Moore (New York Giants), and Roland Martin (American journalist). A full field of 144+ golfers, hundreds of volunteers, and countless supporters made this epic event possible, providing women a platform to showcase golf skills at the highest level.
Note: Renee Powell is currently head professional at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, alongside her brother Larry Powell, course superintendent. The duo continues the legacy of their parents, Dr. William “Bill” Powell and Mrs. Marcella Powell, who built Clearview in 1946. The course is still operating and will celebrate 80 years in 2026.
Hats off to Chris Arnold, emcee for the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Radio Hall of Famer, and Lady Jade, speaker, host, influencer, and media personality (K-104). Both did a phenomenal job as announcers and presenters!
An event of this magnitude could never have been successful without the hard work of Rodney Baker, Event Coordinator, and the many sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs
Presenting Sponsors: Hunt Realty Investments & Good Foundation, Matthews, Inspire Dallas, and Bank of America
Platinum Sponsors: Texas Rangers Foundation, ONCOR, Williams Chicken, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo, Black McDonald’s Operators Association, Charisse Smith & U.T.A., Judge Vonda Bailey
Gold Sponsors: Dallas Mavericks, Ijustgothit.com, U.T. Southwestern, Children’s Health, Break Bread, Baylor Scott & White, Smokey John’s BBQ, UNT Dallas, Russell Glen, Freedom Chevrolet By Morse, Dallas Area Patrol & Protection Services, J.P. Morgan Chase, Regions Bank, and Von’s Vision (founded by Super Bowl champion Von Miller)
Silver Sponsors: Frost Bank, Concord Church, Methodist Health System Foundation, Victoria Elliott-GEICO, Guide Right Foundation (Dallas Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.), Thomas Financial, Pepsi, Girls Scouts, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Stage View Live
In-Kind Sponsors: Halo Executive, Breakfast Brothers, Smoothie King, Dallas Wings, K104, 107.5, Raising Cane’s, Starbucks, Snappy Catfish, Witherspoon Law Group, Gentlemen’s Toast
Results of Women’s Invitational Professional/Amateur Competition:
1st Place – Kendall Jackson ($2,000)
2nd Place – April McCoy ($1,500)
3rd Place – Makalia Brown ($1,000)
4th Place – Kennedi Lee ($500)
Congratulations, ladies! Special thanks to PGA Head Pro Clay Wonnell, Assistant PGA Pro Jeremy Brown, Grounds Superintendent, and the entire Golf Club of Dallas staff for preparing a pro-tournament-ready course!
Get Ready, Be Ready! This event sold out in May 2025—four months before the September 12th date! Keep your eyes and ears open for 2026 dates and information from the Foundation.
Pro/Am Women Invitational Competition requires a valid USGA handicap of 10.0 or better, stroke play only. Details TBA. Please note: There is no handicap required to participate in the Roland Parrish Scramble Format, as long as space is available!

William Sides of SMU and Macy Pate of Wake Forest win individual titles at 2025 Jackson T. Stephens Cup
LSU and North Carolina to battle in match play for men’s team championship Wednesday at Shoreacres, while Wake Forest and Stanford will play for the women’s team title; Live coverage to air on Golf Channel from 3-6 p.m. Central
LAKE BLUFF, ILLINOIS (September 16, 2025) – William Sides of SMU won the men’s individual title for the second straight year, and Macy Pate of Wake Forest secured the women’s individual crown Tuesday in the Jackson T. Stephens Cup at Shoreacres.
Named in honor of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, the former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, The Jackson T. Stephens Cup has hosted one the strongest fields in NCAA Division I golf annually since 2021.
Individual champions were crowned following 54 holes of stroke play, with four men’s and four women’s teams advancing based on their team scores to an 18-hole match play tournament Wednesday to determine the team champions. LSU and North Carolina will battle for the men’s championship, with Arizona and Northwestern playing for third place. Wake Forest and Stanford will compete for the women’s championship, with Oregon and Texas playing for bronze.
Live television coverage of the team championships will air on GOLF Channel from 3-6 p.m. CT Wednesday.
Sides became the first repeat winner in the five-year history of the Stephens Cup, following his playoff victory last year with a two-stroke win this year. The senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma shot 7-under-par 68-66-69—203, making a clutch birdie on his 17th hole Tuesday to lock up the trophy. Gunnlaugur Arni Sveinsson of LSU was second at 5-under par 205.
“It’s not often that you get to play this tournament twice, and to win it twice is awesome,” Sides said. “I’m really thankful to be able to play in this event, and for the Stephens family to host this tournament. It’s a great, well-run event, and Shoreacres is an incredible course, so I’m really lucky.”
Playing in warm and calm conditions on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sides played well enough in the first two rounds Monday to put himself in a good position entering Tuesday’s final round. Starting on the back 9, he made a clutch par save on his opening hole and made the turn at even par for the day. He jumped into the lead thanks to consecutive birdies on holes 1 and 2, and despite bogeys on 3 and 7, he rebounded with a key birdie on his second-to-last hole that helped him seal the win.
“I tried to stay in the present and take one shot at a time,” Sides explained. “It’s easy to get distracted out here with the cameras and the fans on the course. I tried to stay calm and go through my process and tune everything out while still trying to do the best I can.
“I made a bad bogey on 18 and had three-putted 17, so I was kind of frustrated walking off my front nine, but I was able to turn it around pretty quick with those two birdies. I had two great iron shots on 1 and 2, and those two birdies kind of helped me get back in a rhythm.”
On the eighth hole (his 17th), Sides pulled a five-iron to attack the 205-yard par-3 playing into the wind to a back left pin, hit a perfect shot that rolled out to about 25 feet, then got the speed perfect on the long putt for the clinching birdie.
“I was trying to make sure I didn’t come up short of the ridge, but you also don’t want to be long there. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I guess that sealed it, so that was a really big putt for me,” Sides said.
Pate became the third woman from Wake Forest to win the Stephens Cup in its five years, following Rachel Kuehn in 2022 and Carolina Chacarra in 2024.
The Demon Deacons junior from Winston-Salem, North Carolina shot 8-under-par 67-68-67—-202 to secure her first collegiate victory. Kiara Romero of Oregon, the Number 1 player in the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking, tied for second with Wake Forest’s Chloe Kovelesky at 4-under par 206.
“I’m not sure if it has really set in yet,” Pate said shortly after hoisting the Stephens Cup trophy. “It feels awesome. This place is so special.”
Pate slept on a lead Monday night after shooting five-under par in the first two rounds, but things went sideways early Tuesday with consecutive bogeys on the second and third holes. She recovered with a birdie on the fourth, then played her final 14 holes without a bogey as she separated herself from a pack of challengers that not only included the world’s top-ranked amateur but also 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Megha Ganne of Stanford.
“I was hitting the ball really well and making a lot of putts all week,” Pate explained. “The first day, I rolled in several long putts and made a lot of short putts as well, and that sort of just got my confidence up. These greens are so pure that if you start it online, the ball is going to go in most of the time.”
Pate said she had a pretty good feeling all day Tuesday where she stood on the leaderboard, and after her rough start, tried to keep her composure and stay confident.
“I kept telling myself that it’s not over until it’s over, and once I started the back nine with a couple good birdies that separated me, I was able to play my game coming in,” she said.
The men’s field for the fifth-annual Jackson T. Stephens Cup included University of Arizona, Louisiana State University, Northwestern University, Southern Methodist University, University of Texas and University of North Carolina. The women’s field included Northwestern University, University of Oregon, Stanford University, University of South Carolina, University of Texas and Wake Forest University.
Invitations were also extended to 12 individual golfers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and United States Service Academies. Competing in the men’s stroke play division were Denis Asaba (Livingstone), Chip Deegan (United States Naval Academy), Drew Jeffords (United States Military Academy), Brooks Morrell (United States Air Force Academy), Tariro November (Howard University), Mathis Perroni (Howard University) and Sascha Robinson (Florida A&M). The individuals featured in the women’s stroke play competition were Hallie Brisco (United States Naval Academy), Paris Fieldings (Howard University), Marley Franklin (Howard University), Kacey Menyoli (Prairie View A&M University) and Emma Tang (United States Naval Academy).
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About The Jackson T. Stephens Cup
The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (JTS Cup) is an annual collegiate golf tournament that honors the legacy of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and a lifelong advocate for the game of golf. This premier three-day event features a combination of stroke play and match play, highlighting NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams that contend for national championships, along with standout individuals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and U.S. Military Service Academies.
The JTS Cup was created by Warren A. Stephens, son of Jack Stephens, and was first played in September 2021 at The Alotian Club. Miles Stephens and John Stephens, grandsons of the tournament’s namesake, serve as tournament co-chairs—carrying forward their family’s legacy of sportsmanship, excellence, and a commitment to developing the next generation of elite golfers. Bill Macatee, one of sports’ preeminent broadcasters, serves as Vice Chairman.
The Alotian Club in Roland, Arkansas, serves as the tournament’s home course, with the event also rotating among other premier venues across the country.
Promising young golfer dies suddenly after collapsing during school prank

A 17-year-old golf prodigy named Hadden Kelly from Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia, collapsed and died suddenly during a homecoming prank. On a Monday morning, September 15, Kelly and friends were participating in “TPing,” a prank that involves throwing toilet paper over trees, houses, and lawns, when he became unresponsive in the yard. A friend found him around 9:00 a.m. and first responders pronounced him deceased at the scene. The cause of his collapse is currently unknown, pending an autopsy.
Kelly was widely admired in his community for his skill in golf. He had been practicing the sport daily, held a job at the local golf club, and earned top placements in tournaments this year, including two top-ten finishes. His great-uncle, who also serves as the county coroner, described him as outgoing and generous, someone who “never met a stranger.” He believed that if Kelly had chosen to pursue golf full time, he would have had a chance to go professional, given his talent.
At school and on the golf team, Kelly was not just a top performer but also a leader. After finishing rounds early, he regularly stayed behind to support and encourage teammates. His coach, teammates, and school officials all pointed out that Kelly’s kindness and team spirit matched his athletic ability. The school community, still reeling from the shock, expressed deep sorrow. Messages poured in from classmates, teachers, and friends who remembered him for his positivity, work ethic, and dreams.
Dodge County High School posted a message of condolence to Kelly’s family and friends, noting the grief shared by the entire student body. The school asked for prayers and support for those mourning his loss. Friends remembered Kelly’s joy in the game of golf, his hardworking attitude, and the light he brought to their lives.
Though he was young, Kelly had already made significant strides on the golf course. He had plans to compete in an upcoming state tournament and had built a reputation as one of Dodge County High’s most promising athletes. His sudden death left those who knew him wondering what might have been.
The autopsy is expected to provide answers about what led to Kelly collapsing without warning. In the meantime, his life and legacy remain in the hearts of those who loved him. His golfing friends, classmates, coaches, and family continue to honor him through memories of his leadership, character, and talent. He was more than a student or an athlete — he was a friend, an inspiration, and a young dreamer whose presence will not be forgotten.
Ken Bentley Launches Birthday Fundraiser to Support APGA’s Mission
Ken Bentley, co-founder and CEO of the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour, is celebrating his September 24th birthday in a way that reflects his lifelong commitment to making golf more diverse, inclusive, and accessible. Instead of gifts, Bentley is asking family, friends, and supporters to donate to the Advocates Foundation in support of programs that continue to expand opportunities for minority golfers and inspire the next generation.
Since Bentley and former PGA TOUR professional Adrian Stills launched the APGA in 2010, the organization has grown from three small tournaments on inner-city golf courses to a respected 17-event tour that competes at world-class venues including Torrey Pines, TPC Sawgrass, and Baltusrol. Under Bentley’s leadership, APGA players have earned spots in more than 50 PGA TOUR events, captured state open titles, and gained membership on major tours worldwide.
Beyond competition, the APGA has made an indelible impact on communities. Through its Foundation, the APGA has introduced thousands of inner-city youth to the game of golf and provided more than $250,000 in college scholarships through an annual essay contest. The organization also supports player development by providing equipment, professional lessons, fitness training, and nutritional guidance for young golfers pursuing PGA TOUR dreams.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Bentley noted, “What’s most gratifying to me is that the APGA is not only changing the face of the game we love, but giving hope and inspiration to the next generation.”
The APGA Tour’s impact has grown steadily thanks to the support of sponsors, partners, and individuals who believe in its mission. With this birthday fundraiser, Bentley hopes to build on that momentum. He has personally pledged the first $10,000 toward the effort and is encouraging others to join him. Contributions will go directly toward expanding youth clinics, enhancing the APGA Collegiate Program, and increasing the number of players in the Player Development Program.
Bentley’s vision for the next five years is ambitious yet achievable: doubling the number of young people engaged through APGA’s youth initiatives, widening the scope of benefits for college athletes, and creating more opportunities for emerging professionals to refine their skills and compete at higher levels.
Since its founding, the APGA has championed equity in golf by providing a platform for players who historically lacked access to resources and opportunities. Its partnership with the PGA TOUR and high-profile sponsors has elevated the tour’s visibility while reinforcing the importance of diversity in sports.
For Bentley, the birthday fundraiser represents not just a personal milestone but a collective effort to carry the APGA’s mission forward. “Thanks to your support we have made tremendous progress, but there is still a lot more work to do,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that the game of golf continues to open doors and provide inspiration for generations to come.”
Those wishing to support Bentley’s birthday fundraiser can donate directly through the Advocates Foundation online platform. Donations of any size will help sustain and grow the programs that are shaping golf’s future.
Contact Information
Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour
Website: www.apgatour.org
Foundation Donations: advocatesfoundation.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (310) 123-4567
https://advocatesfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/258651-ken-bentley-s-birthday-fundraiser-2025
As Bentley marks another birthday, his request is simple yet powerful: invest in a cause that is transforming golf while uplifting communities. Through collective action, the APGA’s vision of a more inclusive game continues to take shape, one player and one opportunity at a time.
PGA Jr. League Teams Up with PGA TOUR Superstore to Launch Simulator Leagues at 13 Locations This October
Indoor leagues poised to offer unique and fun opportunities
for kids to learn and play the game
FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 16, 2025) – PGA Jr. League is coming to select PGA TOUR Superstore locations this October, bringing fun, team-based golf to its simulators and offering a one-of-a-kind, indoor experience for kids.
Through PGA Jr. League, kids ages 17 and under receive expert PGA of America Golf Professional and LPGA Professional instruction, wear numbered jerseys and play on teams with their friends in a scramble format. PGA Jr. League is on pace to reach 80,000 registrations this year and has surpassed more than half a million participants since its inception.
“We are excited to reach new families and create unique playing opportunities, especially for younger kids, by introducing PGA Jr. League to PGA TOUR Superstore locations,” said Jeff Price, PGA of America Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer. “The structure and format of PGA Jr. League under the direction of PGA of America Golf Professionals is designed to be flexible to fit the unique needs of a facility. This collaboration extends the program’s reach and impact, creating more opportunities for more kids to learn and play the game.”
The PGA of America has worked hand-in-hand with PGA TOUR Superstore to develop a special six-week recommended curriculum for the simulator leagues. Each session encompasses instruction and game play that can be modified to fit participants’ ages and skill levels.
“Partnering with PGA Jr. League allows us to create more meaningful opportunities for kids to play the game in a fun, team-focused environment,” said Jill Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer, PGA TOUR Superstore. “These leagues help young girls and boys build skills, confidence and friendships — all in a setting that’s active, supportive and designed just for them.”
PGA TOUR Superstore is the country’s leading destination for golf equipment and accessories. Each location features several interactive areas including large indoor putting greens, practice and play bays and additional simulators for club fitting.
Registration is currently open for PGA Jr. League at select PGA TOUR Superstore locations, and league play begins in October. For more information about PGA Jr. League and to register for a program online, visit PGAJrLeague.com.
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Kennesaw (Ga.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Orland Park (Ill.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Rockville (Kensington, Md.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Paramus (N.J.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Orlando (Fla.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Tampa (Fla.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Plano-Preston Rd. (Texas)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Southlake (Texas)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Naples (Fla.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Woodlands (Shenandoah, Texas)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Katy (Texas)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Chandler (Ariz.)
- PGA TOUR Superstore – Scottsdale (Ariz.)
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About PGA Jr. League
PGA Jr. League brings families and friends together around fun, team golf experiences for kids ages 17 and under, with expert coaching from PGA of America Golf Professionals. Visit PGAJrLeague.com for more information, and follow @PGAJrLeague on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
About PGA TOUR Superstore
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.
Shady Rest Country Club Inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame
(New York, NY) — The National Black Golf Hall of Fame ceremoniously inducted the Shady Rest Country Club, the fist African American Golf Club in America, during its 39th anniversary celebration, marking a historic evening celebrating legacy, leadership, and champions in golf. The event, held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Sonesta Gwinnett in Duluth, Georgia, near Atlanta, honored the mission of Shady Rest to educate and present the rich history of the Club and John Shippen, Jr; preserve and restore the Shady Rest Clubhouse, and create a multi-purpose center and museum that is open to the public, displaying memorabilia, photographs, artifacts, and oral stores of Shady Rest.
WATCH TRIBUTE VIDEO BELOW:
65th Annual Skyview Golf Tournament Returns Sept. 22-23 in Asheville, North Carolina
America’s oldest Black golf tournament will closely align with the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene
Asheville, N.C. – The 65th Annual Skyview Golf Tournament, America’s oldest Black golf tournament, will be held on Sept. 22-23, 2025, at the Country Club of Asheville. This long-standing community event, with a rich history of competition and social activism, has special resonance this year as it takes place a few days before the one-year milestone of Hurricane Helene.
Despite being relocated from its traditional location, the Asheville Municipal Golf Course, due to ongoing repairs, the continuation of Skyview reflects Asheville’s resilience in the year following Helene. Skyview stands as one of many flourishing community institutions that signify Asheville is open and warmly welcoming visitors.
The Skyview Golf Tournament began in 1960 to establish an opportunity for Black golfers to compete. The 65th Annual Skyview Open is directed by Matthew Bacoate, Jr., an Asheville icon with a long legacy of entrepreneurship and community activism. Mr. Bacoate successfully integrated Star Lanes Bowling Center in 1960, making it the first public-facing business in Asheville to integrate. Later, Mr. Bacoate founded AFRAM, a manufacturer of personal protection equipment that became the largest Black-owned business in Asheville’s history—and the only Black-owned manufacturing company of its kind in America. At the inaugural Skyview Golf Tournament in 1960, Mr. Bacoate was responsible for promoting the event, creating signs with cardboard and crayons. Now in his 90s, Mr. Bacoate is president of the Skyview Golf Association and remains active in promoting the legacy event.
“This tournament has been a part of my life since its inception 65 years ago. Golfers—many of whom travel from all over the county for this event—join family, friends of the community, and our many awesome members and sponsors who have made Skyview one of the largest tournaments in the South.” Bacoate said.
Since its inception, Skyview has become one of the largest golf tournaments in the Southeast. Over the last 65 years, several participants have gone on to compete and win on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. Celebrities and professional golfers who’ve competed in the annual tournament include Lee Elder, Jim Dent, Jim and Chuck Thorpe, John Brooks Dendy, Harold Varner III and World Boxing Champion Joe Louis.
“Explore Asheville is honored to serve as a sponsor for the 65th Annual Skyview Golf Tournament, a beloved community event that has launched the careers of countless Black golfers and continues to provide a space for the community to come together,” Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, said.
To register for the Skyview Golf Tournament, visit SkyviewGolfAsheville.com.
For exclusive, discounted lodging for this event, visit ExploreAsheville.com.
Check out The Muni featured on Golf Channel and PBS, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD6zySv1NM0
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