The Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF) Dallas Chapter is hosting its annual Founders Golf Tournament on Saturday, October 5, with a clear mission in mind—raising scholarship funds for North Texas students attending Southern University. The tournament, held at the Firewheel Golf Park – Lake Course, 600 W. Campbell Road, Garland, Texas, is a pivotal event designed to generate financial support for students and increase awareness about the Southern University System.
The Founders Golf Tournament was launched to expand SUAF Dallas’s ability to award scholarships. Over the past decade, the number of students from North Texas attending Southern University has tripled, significantly increasing the need for financial assistance. According to Brandy Tyson, President of SUAF Dallas, “We started the Founders Golf Tournament to increase our scholarship awarding. Our population of North Texas students attending Southern University has tripled in the last 10 years, so we wanted to be able to provide as many awards as financially possible to assist students and families in their college journey.”
With the rising cost of education, the scholarships provided by the SUAF Dallas Chapter have become a vital lifeline for students and their families, helping them afford higher education at Southern University.
The Southern University Alumni Federation Dallas Chapter was founded in April 1955 and continues to be an essential part of the national Southern University Alumni Federation’s mission. Its primary goal is to support the advancement of the Southern University System as a leading institution of higher education. Fundraising efforts, including events like the golf tournament, help raise awareness about Southern University while building a community of supporters through membership and engagement.
Charlie Dean, the tournament manager for the past decade, plays a key role in organizing the event. He is supported by a dedicated planning committee consisting of Felicia Lockridge (Third Vice President/Fundraising Chair), Kenneth Brown (Co-Chair), Brandy Tyson (President), and Dean himself. Together, they manage the logistics, marketing, and overall success of the tournament.
Tyson emphasized the role of the volunteers in creating an inviting atmosphere for participants, saying, “We take pride in the commitment of over 25 alumni and friends that volunteer to provide ‘Southern hospitality’ the day of the tournament.”
This year, SUAF Dallas aims to attract 130 golfers and raise a profit of $15,000, all of which will go toward scholarships. While fundraising is the primary objective, the organizers also strive to offer a memorable experience for everyone involved. The tournament stands out by delivering a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
“We know golfers love to golf and can do it on their own or with many organizations hosting tournaments,” Tyson said, “but the Southern hospitality of our tournament is an addiction that golfers of all levels have to come experience—yes, our lunch is Cajun cuisine.”
Firewheel Golf Park was selected as the venue because of its spacious facilities, which accommodate the needs of a large tournament. The 18 Par, 72 Length, 6625 yards course is a regular host of the North Texas PGA Junior Championships and many other tournaments. It offers a fun and challenging golfing experience for the casual or veteran golfer and its staff understands the nature of the fundraiser, providing competitive pricing and donating prizes that help raise additional scholarship funds.
The tournament kicks off early with a 7:00 AM check-in and a 7:30 AM putting contest. The main event, a shotgun start, begins at 8:00 AM, followed by lunch at 1:00 PM, and the final raffle and award presentation at 1:30 PM.
For those interested in participating, registration can be completed online at suafdallasgolf2024.eventbrite.com, or by emailing suafdallasgolf@gmail.com.
This year’s Founders Golf Tournament promises a day of fun, camaraderie, and Southern hospitality—all while supporting a worthy cause. With a history rooted in tradition and a goal of increasing opportunities for North Texas students, it’s an event not to be missed.
