Well, the 4^th Annual African American EXPO & Forum is in the books, over, completed, packed up and ready to start the planning for the 5^th EXPO. I, as the organizer and founder wanted to share some perspectives and thoughts.

Attendee Comments

Below are the comments received from the attendees which always touch my heart as I always want to know “How are we doing, are we impacting and affecting lives,” as I hoped. To that end, here are some of comments I have received from various individuals:

“We thank you for extending  the invitation to us to experience the 4th Annual African American EXPO & FORM. I really enjoyed each and every day, from the Community Gardening initiative, the Youth and Adult golf clinic, and the Golf Scramble. The EXPO exhibit hall was off the chain throughout the whole event. It was packed with sponsors, vendors, and historians as well as supporters from across the country.  The information and networking piece is invaluable. The Experience of the African American EXPO and Forum is one we will not soon forget. We look forward to ‘2025’. Please keep us in the loop. Sincerely,” —Nate & Denise Howard

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“The 4th Annual African American Golf Expo and Forum in Palm Beach was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community, progress, and the future of golf. Greenwood Golf was honored to attend and actively participate in this inspiring gathering, where we connected with golf leaders, learned about exciting new initiatives, and witnessed firsthand the groundbreaking developments that are set to shape the sport’s future. One of the most impactful aspects of the Expo was the opportunity to engage with other leaders in the African American golf community. These connections are vital as we work together to promote diversity, inclusion, and excellence in the sport. The Expo provided a platform to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and forge partnerships that will help us continue to grow and support the Greenwood Golf community.” —Chris Word, CEO, Greenwood Golf

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“Hi Jim! Thank you so much for passing this along and for the opportunity to present at the Expo! It was a pleasure getting to share THE JOHN SHIPPEN story and we are so appreciative of the opportunity and hotel night consideration. All the best,” —Solomon Hughes, Director, Marketing & Development, The John Shippen Classic

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“Hello Jim, I and my family had an awesome time at the EXPO. Ezekiel (2 years old) enjoyed himself from the first day all the way to the time we left Tuesday morning to fly back to New Jersey. We are already anticipating the announcement for the 2025 expo and are informing other golfers who would like to attend next year. It was a pleasure in meeting you and we will definitely keep in touch! Kind Regards,” —Michael Lassiter, President, Strong Exploits

“Thank You for allowing Tristan and I to participate in the 2024 Golf EXPO and Clinic. It allowed us to learn more about golf and different career opportunities. Most of all we had lots of fun.” —Tristan & Derron Blake

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“Dear Jim, I want to express our appreciation for your warm welcome at the African American Golf Expo. My wife, Nina, Jim and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and we look forward to being truly involved next year.  Please let us know when you will be in our area so that we can give you a tour of the Historical Shady Rest Country Club and of course play nine holes with us at the “First Ever Black Owned Country Club in America”. We would love to host an event, maybe a clinic, sometime in the near future. Please let us know what you think and how we can work together on this. Thank you again and congratulations on a successful event.” —Tom Donatelli, Chairman, Preserve Shady Rest Committee

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“James, It was great to meet you in person and I appreciate the opportunity to be involved and support the EXPO. Hope you bring it back to our County soon.” —Todd Fleming, VP & Executive Director, Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, PGA TOUR

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“As for me it’s always a win, win, whenever black folks are engaged in a positive atmosphere.  I enjoyed seeing you again as always the ultimate host.  I thought Arthur Johnson’s exhibit was (12) on a scale of (10).  Sharing some history and brilliant display of four African American Golfing Giants, that have passed on to greener pastures.  Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete, Lee Elders, and James Black.  Talk about talent, it don’t get much better than that.  Maybe with the exception of one Teddy Rhodes.   Teddy I never met, just his daughter and granddaughter, but I had the pleasure of meeting all of the other four and I cherish those memories.  For the little time that I attended all was good.  I regret not having the time to interact with more vendors and guests.” —John Perry, Retired in Orlando, Fla.    
 

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“This is one of the most significant events in the history of Black golf. It is a wonderful opportunity to advance the game through networking, exhibits and informative sessions. The experience alone is super rewarding. It is a must for the golf enthusiast. I applaud Jim Beatty and his staff for their commitment to this epic event and support them wholeheartedly —Pete McDaniel, Journalist and Historian, Author, Uneven Lies

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“Thank you for bringing the African American Golf Expo to Palm Beach County!  This event provided an incredible opportunity for our local golf community to connect with fellow golfers from across the nation and gain valuable insights into the golf industry. From the engaging keynote speakers to the informative sessions, it was a fantastic learning experience. The networking opportunities were exceptional, and I’m already marking my calendar for 2025!” —Martha Clark, President, Fairview Golf Club, Inc.

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Impact

The EXPO is making an impact locally and nationally, we bring people together and they book rooms, spend money and generate an economic impact in the communities hosting the event. This year, I was presented with two proclamations from governmental entities acknowledging that the EXPO generated 450 rooms and an economic impact of $360,000. This was  presented to me by Bobby Powell former Florida state senator and now a member of the  Palm Beach County Commission.

EXPO Awardees

The Jerry Tarde Courage Award was presented to Jim Awtrey, the first CEO of the PGA of America, because of his stance with Shoal Creek regarding their nonacceptance of Blacks as members. PGA Golf Professional Jim Awtrey, Past CEO of the PGA of America, is recommended as a candidate to receive the second Jerry Tarde Courage and Commitment Award in recognition of his contributions to advancing Black people and the Black community in the game and business of golf. The following notables support this recommendation.

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  In 1990, the change in our PGA Championship Site Selection Policy stipulated that future PGA Championship host clubs must feature open-membership policies and demonstrate that they have minority representation. PGA TOUR, USGA and Augusta National also adopted this policy. Shortly after this policy went into effect, private golf clubs started allowing Black people to be members. In 1995, PGA of America elected George Lewis as an Independent Director to serve on its National Board. Mr. Lewis became the first Black PGA Board Director. Other Black executives and women also became Independent Directors of the PGA National Board.
  
• The EXPO International Ambassadorship
  

 

The EXPO awarded its first International ambassadorship to Glenville Pratt.

Glen is a renowned golf instructor with more than 40 years of professional golf experience traveling throughout the USA and a three-time Bahamas National Golf . He turned  pro in 1982 and was the youngest Bahamian head golf pro in the history of golf in The Bahamas. He is currently the president of Bahamas Professional Golfers Association.

EXPO Volunteer of The Year

It goes without  saying that when one enters the Palm Beach County area, the impact of Malachi and Essie Knowles will be immediately felt. This dynamic duo are always giving back to the community, whether serving as the ultimate hosts on their “patio”, leading the Inner City Youth Golfers Inc., presenting the African American Golfers Hall of Fame or building the ICYG and African American Museum Clubhouse, they just give and give.

The EXPO was proud to name this couple the Volunteer of the Year.

Speakers

Simply the most outstanding lineup ever! Starting with  Maulana Dotch, the first Black female GM in America, The Pro Duffers National President, former National President and head of their foundation, Solomon Hughes,  of the John Shippen Golf Tournament ,Chuck Walker, I Am A Golfer Foundation and the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest.  

The EXPO also had an outstanding Adaptive Sports Panel, who shared their life’s stories about their challenges  and triumphs and lastly our esteemed keynote speaker,  Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Rhett  gave the most impressive speech I have ever heard in which he talked about his recent climb of Mount Everest and the  daily challenges of Life. Thank You Rhett

This was undoubtably  the best lineup of speakers the EXPO has had to date.

My Thoughts

I , the committee, the volunteer, the sponsors and supporters  want the EXPO to continue connecting people and ideas which lead to action in this great game and industry. As we  consider new locations I would appreciate your suggestions. I accept and appreciate  all feedback as I know  it is all based in the spirit of community to improve and enhance the experience.  I will always do my best to serve my community and everyone who supports my community  through the EXPO. Thank to each of you who have attended or supported me in any way for allowing me to have served the industry for the past several years and I hope for several more. Join me in 2025. Stay updated by visiting https://aagolfexpo.com

Former Spurs Sports & Entertainment Executive to Lead Talent, Culture, Facilities and internal operations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 17, 2024 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced the appointment of Samantha Simmons as its new Chief People and Internal Operations Officer (CPIOO). Simmons brings a wealth of experience, including her previous role as Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E), where she led talent strategy and people operations for a workforce of 1,300 employees, ensuring alignment with the organization’s broader goals. Prior to SS&E, Simmons held senior positions at HubSpot, Wayfair, and Koya Partners, further honing her expertise in human resources, operations, strategy and organizational development.

“We are excited to welcome Sam to the LPGA Executive Leadership Team as our Chief People and Internal Operations Officer,” said LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “Sam’s extensive experience across various industries will be invaluable as we continue to cultivate talent and enhance our organizational infrastructure and culture. The LPGA’s success is driven by the dedication and talent of our people, and I am confident that Sam will play a key role in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and inclusion as we focus on our continued growth and impact.”

In her new role, Simmons will lead the LPGA’s Talent, Culture and Facilities teams, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, talent management, compensation, leadership development, and retention initiatives. Her mission will be to build and nurture the industry’s most diverse and dynamic talent pool, ensuring the LPGA’s continued success and growth. Additionally, Simmons will partner closely with the LPGA’s executive leadership to advance the Association’s mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.

“I’m thrilled to join the LPGA and have the opportunity to lead efforts that directly contribute to the organization’s goals of being a worldwide leader in sports and a top employer of choice,” said Simmons. “The LPGA has a remarkable legacy and mission at its core, and I’m excited to leverage my experiences across industries to drive a people and internal operations strategy that will help us advance both our short- and long-term goals.”

Simmons’ career spans various industries, including her role as Senior Director of Strategic Projects at HubSpot, where she led initiatives such as hybrid work implementation and international expansion to the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Canada. At Wayfair, she served as Chief of Staff and Group Head of People for three executives, with oversight of talent strategy across multiple areas, and prior to that, she managed senior leadership recruitment for the North American Retail business. Her earlier roles at Koya Partners, a national executive search firm focused on nonprofits and social impact organizations, further underscore her commitment to fostering diverse and impactful leadership.

Simmons also serves on the board of Visible Hands, a venture firm dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs nationwide. A Florida native, she currently resides in Central Florida with her husband, Brett.

African American golf legend and trailblazer Ted Rhodes, from Nashville, TN, was celebrated at the 55th Annual Ted Rhodes Charity Golf Classic on September 7-8. The special guest for this year’s event was Pete McDaniel, a golf historian and contributing editor/senior writer for Golf Digest and Golf World magazine. McDaniel co-authored Earl Woods’ best-selling book Training a Tiger, and also wrote the critically acclaimed Uneven Lies – The Heroic Story of African Americans in Golf. He co-wrote and co-produced the documentary Uneven Fairways, which aired on the Golf Channel.

The Ted Rhodes Foundation, Inc. hosted the 55th Annual Ted Rhodes Charity Golf Classic – Preserving the Legacy – at the historic Ted Rhodes Golf Course in Nashville. This two-day amateur charity event honored the legacy of Ted Rhodes, a pioneering golfer from Nashville. It also served as a fundraiser for two local golf programs, drawing golfers from across the country to participate in this meaningful and historic event. In addition to great golf, attendees enjoyed food and fun.

The charity event benefited several organizations, including the Fisk University Golf Team, the Junior Golf Program – First Tee of Tennessee, and the Ted Rhodes Foundation HBCU Golf Educational Fund.

Ted Rhodes was the first African American professional golfer of the modern era to play in the U.S. Open in 1948. Throughout his career, Rhodes won over 150 tournaments and was posthumously granted membership to the PGA in 2009. He served as a golf instructor to notable figures like boxer Joe Louis, the first Black golfer to play in the Masters tournament, Lee Elder, and tennis legend Althea Gibson. Tiger Woods acknowledged Rhodes and other Black golf pioneers during his first Masters win, crediting them for paving the way for him in the sport. A golf course in Nashville now bears Rhodes’ name.

The mission of the Ted Rhodes Foundation is to preserve and honor the legacy of Ted Rhodes by providing financial support to HBCU golf programs, such as the Fisk University golf team, and awarding scholarships to team members. The foundation also hosts junior golf clinics to introduce the sport to youth in urban areas and partners with programs like First Tee of Tennessee to provide competitive golf opportunities and leadership training for young players.

The PGA of America REACH Foundation, the charitable arm of the PGA of America, has announced its 2024 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship. Established in 2017, the PGA WORKS Fellowship offers a one-year, paid experience within the operations of a PGA of America Section’s Foundation. These 41 PGA Sections across the U.S. are key in building networks of communication and community for both PGA Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide.

The Fellowship is a valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with hands-on experience in all aspects of the golf industry. It serves as a gateway for recent graduates to explore career opportunities in the $102 billion golf sector.

This year’s 27 PGA WORKS Fellows will focus on supporting philanthropic initiatives for their respective PGA Sections’ charitable foundations. Their roles include assisting with marketing, communications, fundraising, and organizing PGA HOPE programs for Veterans, as well as junior golf initiatives like PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.

“Our PGA WORKS Fellowship program has become an incredible resource for recent college graduates to get their foot in the door within the golf industry and make real contributions to their local communities and PGA of America Sections,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “The Fellows experience how meaningful a career in golf is and the majority continue down that path following their Fellowship. I’m looking forward to seeing the future success of our 27 Fellows.”

As part of PGA WORKS’ mission, Fellows are encouraged to continue their careers in golf following their fellowships with direct access to both PGA of America Career Consultants and mentors to help them achieve their career goals. In the history of the PGA WORKS Fellowship, 82 percent of all Fellows have acquired jobs within the golf industry, and 85 percent have acquired full-time positions upon completing their fellowship. 56 percent of fellows have secured jobs at a PGA Section.

Past Fellows have gone on to work for Titleist, the First Tee, the Texas Golf Association and the PGA Tour, among other golf companies and sporting organizations. Additionally, several Fellows work full-time in PGA Section Offices across the country. Others have continued their education in graduate school.

Currently, four PGA WORKS Fellows Alumni have landed jobs working for the Association at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas: Cameron Dinkins, PGA WORKS Leader; Iyannei Miranda, PGA WORKS Program Coordinator; Caroline Riggs, PGA REACH Events Coordinator; and Cameron Jones, Membership Representative.

View The Full List of 2024 Class of PGA WORKS Fellows below;

• Maddy Anderson; Waukesha, Wis.; Western Illinois University (UG) / University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Masters); Wisconsin PGA Section
• Amber Bogle; Lincoln, Neb.; Bellevue University; Nebraska PGA Section
• Hannah Corso; Winchester, Mass.; University of Massachusetts Amherst; New England PGA Section
• Kika Dzoan; Tracy, Calif.; Metropolitan State University of Denver; Colorado PGA Section
• Rachel Dupree; Shreveport, La.; Oral Roberts University; South Central PGA Section
• Camryn Eddy; Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Kentucky; Gateway PGA Section
• Aron Gianchandani; Watchung, N.J.; Muhlenberg College; New Jersey PGA Section
• Hayley Guilinger; Thomson, Ill.; Culver Stockton University (UG) / Western Illinois University (Masters); Michigan PGA Section
• Taylor Harvey; Phoenix, Ariz.; Prairie View A&M University (UG) / Delaware State University (Masters); Sun Country PGA Section
• Jordan Haynes; Lithia, Fla.; Florida State University; Georgia PGA Section
• Emily Jones; Cleveland, Ohio; University of Dayton; Northern Ohio PGA Section
• Abbie Kludt; Hettinger, N.D.; Dickinson State University (UG) / Syracuse (Masters); Western New York PGA Section
• Presley Ladner; Canton, Miss.; Louisiana State University; Gulf States PGA Section
• Carli Lynch; Needham, Mass..; Methodist University; South Florida PGA Section
• Kara Madden; Leesburg, Va.; University of Mississippi; Middle Atlantic PGA Section
• Destiny McLeod; Philadelphia, Pa.; Penn State University; Kentucky PGA Section
• Nic Mendez; Pembroke Pines, Fla.; University of Central Florida; North Florida PGA Section
• Vuyo Mondi; Northcliff, South Africa; Arizona State University (UG) / Ohio University (Masters); Southern Ohio PGA Section
• Alexandra Mudie; Dundee, Scotland; William Carey University (UG) / University of Southern Mississippi (Masters); Southern Texas PGA Section
• Seely Murphy; Albany, Ga.; Georgia Southern University; Northern Texas PGA Section
• Zoe Rogers; Shelton, Conn.; Saint Michael’s College; Metropolitan PGA Section
• Amanda Schaare; Clinton, Mich.; University of Michigan (UG) / Wake Forest University (Masters); Intersport
• Nyah Singh; Nassau, The Bahamas; Lincoln University; Indiana PGA Section
• Cami Terkildsen; Wheaton, Ill.; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Carolinas PGA Section
• Cassandra Vogel; Bellefonte, Pa.; Millersville University; Philadelphia PGA Section
• Casey Ware; Fulton, N.Y.; Syracuse University; Central NY PGA Section
• Valentina Wilson; San Diego, Calif.; Penn State University; Southern California PGA Section

For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org.

Golf is a sport that offers numerous benefits for young people, making it an excellent activity for physical, mental, and emotional development. Unlike many high-impact sports, golf is a low-risk activity in terms of injury, which makes it suitable for youth of all ages and fitness levels. Beyond the physical benefits, golf fosters essential life skills, including patience, discipline, focus, and emotional resilience. These attributes help young people not only excel on the golf course but also carry over into their personal and academic lives.

One of the most valuable lessons golf teaches is responsibility. In golf, players are accountable for every shot they take. There’s no referee to enforce the rules—golfers are responsible for their own actions, from keeping score to playing by the rules. This promotes integrity, as young golfers learn the importance of honesty and personal responsibility. The etiquette of golf, which emphasizes respect for other players and the course itself, also instills a sense of respect for others and the environment.

Golf also enhances problem-solving skills. The game is as much mental as it is physical, requiring players to constantly strategize, adapt, and overcome obstacles. Whether it’s planning the best shot from a challenging lie or figuring out how to manage their nerves during a competition, young golfers learn to think critically under pressure.

In terms of social development, golf provides a unique opportunity for youth to interact with people of various ages and backgrounds. This interaction fosters communication skills and the ability to build relationships. Since golf is often played in pairs or small groups, young players have the chance to engage in conversations, learn sportsmanship, and develop teamwork in a relaxed setting.

Golf also encourages a lifelong commitment to fitness. Walking an 18-hole course can cover up to five miles, offering a great cardiovascular workout. Additionally, the physical movements required for swinging a club help improve coordination, flexibility, and strength. For young people, establishing a routine of regular physical activity early in life contributes to long-term health and well-being.

Tiger Woods, one of the most iconic figures in golf, often speaks about the benefits the game has provided him. “Golf teaches you a lot about patience, perseverance, and the importance of focusing on the small details,” Woods once said. “It’s not just about hitting the ball hard; it’s about thinking your way through the course. That kind of focus is something you can apply to every part of your life.” His words highlight how the game of golf offers life lessons that extend far beyond the sport itself.

Mental toughness is another key area where golf helps youth. In a game where mistakes are inevitable, players quickly learn how to recover and keep their emotions in check. A bad shot or a missed putt can frustrate even the best golfers, but the ability to bounce back is crucial. Golf teaches young people the value of resilience and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of setbacks.

In addition to these personal development aspects, golf offers academic opportunities as well. Many colleges offer scholarships for talented young golfers, which can open doors to higher education. The game also encourages a culture of learning, as players continuously seek to improve their skills through practice, training, and study.

In conclusion, golf provides numerous benefits for youth, ranging from physical fitness and mental sharpness to social skills and emotional resilience. The lessons learned on the golf course can shape a young person’s character and future success, both on and off the green. As Tiger Woods exemplifies, the discipline, patience, and focus developed through golf are traits that can positively impact every area of life.

Oakmont Country Club Opens Its Doors Once Again

The 2025 US Open will take place at Pennsylvania’s Oakmont Country Club. It’s fitting that for the 125th rendition of one of golf’s greatest events, the venue is one with as much rich history as Oakmont. The US Open has been hosted here ten times previously – a mark unparalleled by any other Club – with the last iteration coming in 2016 when Dustin Johnson won his first Major Championship.

With this extensive history, the US Open has long been one of the great attractions of the world of professional golf, drawing millions of viewers to the game. In recent years, sites for online betting have only furthered that reach, helping enhance the appeal of the sport globally.

Oakmont Victors

In addition to Dustin Johnson, many other legends of the great game of golf have marked their place in history at Oakmont, including:

• Ben Hogan (1953)
• Jack Nicklaus (1962)
• Johnny Miller (1973)
• Ernie Els (1994)
• Angel Cabrera (2007)

Not only have these men won at Oakmont, but these victories represent some of the greatest moments this sport has to offer. Whether it be Jack Nicklaus winning his first of 18 majors with a playoff victory over Arnold Palmer in 1962 or Ernie Els winning a three man playoff in 1994 to claim his first ever major, the grounds at Oakmont have produced golf magic.

The US Open 2025 will feature a wide field of talented golfers looking to join this list of greats. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele represent just a few of the men who are expected to occupy space atop the leaderboard and produce more captivating moments next June. 

No Easy Place to Play

Although Oakmont Country Club is one of the premiere venues in the USA, it’s certainly not one of the most forgiving. Many challenges will face the field of participants playing 2025 US Open golf.

Designed by Henry Fownes, Oakmont is known for its overtly large, undulating greens which can lead to massive putting blunders when put in conjunction with the rapid pace of said greens. The fairways, much like the greens, don’t tend to stay flat for too long as slopes are a calling card of the course.

Then of course there are the famous church pews bunkers residing across the 3rd and 4th holes. The 100 by 40 yard feature is quite a sight to see but extremely dangerous for competitors as a ball in the wrong spot there can quickly lead to a ballooning score.

Oakmont beyond 2025

Upon the conclusion of the 2025 US Open, fans and players alike will have to wait some time for a return to Oakmont; eight years to be exact as the US Open is set to take place there again in 2033.

Beyond that, the years 2042 and 2049 are already penciled in for the US Open to return to its most frequented venue in the Oakmont Country Club.

Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today that Bank of America will become a Champion Partner of the Masters Tournament, beginning with the 2025 Masters Tournament. Additionally, the Chairman has announced that CBS Sports will expand coverage hours of the Tournament on Saturday and Sunday also beginning in 2025.

Bank of America will join AT&T, IBM and Mercedes-Benz, who each have extended their relationship as Champion Partners. Delta Air Lines, Rolex and UPS have returned as Tournament Partners.

“Through Bank of America’s support of our community initiatives and amateur events, they have become an impactful and committed partner in our organization’s mission in Augusta and around the globe,” said Ridley. “Today’s announcement celebrates an expansion of our relationship, and we are delighted to welcome Bank of America to our valued family of Masters Tournament partners, which together will strengthen the Tournament for many years to come.”

In partnership with CBS Sports, the 2025 Masters Tournament will debut five additional hours of live coverage of the third and final rounds, bringing the total to 14 hours of weekend coverage on CBS and Paramount+, in addition to their digital feeds Thursday through Sunday. The CBS Television Network and Paramount+ will air the Tournament live from 2:00 – 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, which is an increase of one hour for Saturday’s third round. Additionally, two hours of live coverage have been added on both Saturday and Sunday to air on Paramount+ from 12:00 – 2:00 PM ET. Commercial time per hour will remain unchanged at four minutes.

“The Masters Tournament has had the great fortune of enjoying an extraordinary relationship with CBS Sports for nearly 70 years,” said Ridley. “Alongside our friends at the network, we are pleased to extend the Tournament’s weekend coverage and ultimately deliver more live golf for Masters fans.”

Bank of America has been a dedicated partner within the greater Augusta, Ga., community for several years. Alongside other partners and local organizations, Bank of America has demonstrated its commitment to support initiatives at the HUB for Community Innovation and invest in the transformation plan at Paine College. Additionally, Bank of America has served as a Proud Partner of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since the inaugural Championship in 2019, as well as the Latin America Amateur Championship and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship since 2022.

The 2025 Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 7 – 13.

Leo Golf Academy is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Rosa Parks Day Junior Golf Classic, in partnership with St. Paul AME Church, Montgomery, Alabama. This two-day tournament offers a unique opportunity for young golfers to showcase their talents while participating in a celebration that honors the legacy of Rosa Parks. Scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 1, 2024, at Lagoon Park Golf Course, this event is designed for junior players aged 12 to 18 and is open to Boys 15-18, Boys 12-14, and Girls 12-18.

The 36-hole championship will not only allow junior golfers to compete but also provide an opportunity to gain rankings on the Junior Golf Scoreboard. The top player in each division—Boys 15-18, Boys 12-14, and Girls 12-18—will secure a qualifying spot in the 2024 NB3 Georgia Regional Final, part of the prestigious Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship (NB3 JGNC).

The Rosa Parks Day Junior Golf Classic is a new addition to Montgomery’s annual Rosa Parks Day celebration, offering more than just competitive play. It serves as a platform to promote golf as a lifelong sport, emphasizing personal development in areas such as fitness, mental toughness, and tactical thinking. Leo Golf Academy’s owner, Quincy Leonard, is a Top 50 Kids Teacher Honorable Mention by U.S. Kids Golf, African American Golf Hall of Fame Inductee. He is based in Montgomery, Alabama.mission, encapsulated in its motto “Learning at Every Opportunity” (LEO), is to instill life skills and strong character values in young golfers through the sport, aligning perfectly with the tournament’s goals.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the event reflects Mrs. Rosa Parks’ enduring passion for supporting youth and her belief in fostering essential qualities like patience, discipline, and perseverance. Players will not only hone their golf skills but will also experience the rich history of civil rights in Montgomery, creating a meaningful connection between sports and social history. For more information and registration visit Rosa Park Junior Golf Day or visit FACEBOOK.

Lagoon Park Golf Course, located at 2855 Lagoon Park Drive in Montgomery, Alabama, offers an ideal backdrop for this inspiring event. Junior golfers, their families, and the local community are encouraged to come together and celebrate both the game of golf and the historic legacy of Rosa Parks. Through this event, Leo Golf Academy aims to cultivate future generations of golfers while honoring the principles of leadership, integrity, and resilience that Rosa Parks stood for.