The 2021 edition of the Calvin Peete Foundation’s annual golf event produced by PGD
Global surpassed expectations bringing HBCU collegiate players together for an
invigorating match up and informative clinic with professional golfer Willie Mack III.
ATLANTA, GA, November 9, 2021/PR NEWSWIRE/ — The Calvin Peete Foundation
commemorated its 10 Year Anniversary with a celebration of diversity in golf by bringing HBCU
collegiate players together to showcase the revolutionary landscape in the world of golf. The
event honored Calvin Peete’s legacy as a celebrated PGA Tour golfer and leader in bringing
diversity and inclusion to the sport. Professional golfer, highest winning HBCU player of all time
and 2021 APGA Tour Champion, Willie Mack III, received an award from the Calvin Peete
Foundation and PGD Global for excellence in golf performance. This was the first year that the
event included a competition for the Calvin Peete Collegiate Cup. Sponsors of the event include
Toyota, Southern Company, PGA Reach, Taylormade Golf, Morgan Stanley, TRUIST Bank and
NEWFAZE. The event was held at the Eagle’s Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, GA on
October 24-26.
THE OFFICIAL MEET & GREET @ TOPGOLF
HBCU collegiate athletes from Morehouse College and Alabama State University kicked off the
3-day event with a warm-up and meet-and-greet at Topgolf with Co-founder of the Calvin Peete
Foundation Mr. Warren “Project” Barge and Willie Mack III. Representatives from Toyota,
Southern Company, PGA of America, Morgan Stanley and other supporters of the Foundation
also attended to engage with the collegiate golfers and to celebrate diversity in golf. The
collegiate teams both were able to spend time with Willie Mack III and sponsors, enjoying
conversations and comradery off the course, before the competitive team-building competitive
event began.
CALVIN PEETE FOUNDATION BREAKFAST, CLINIC & AWARDS
Hosted by Professional Golfer and Golf Fashionista, Seema Sadekar alongside NBA TV Announcer
and NBA Legend, Steve Smith, the duo welcomed the 100 plus guests to a special breakfast and
clinic experience unlike any other. The “TaylorMade Turn-Up” DJ Booth presented by
TaylorMade and Southern Company featured DJ SPIN, cruised through the morning with soulful and
upbeat jams. Guests enjoyed a full breakfast before Willie Mack III performed a special clinic,
even challenging players from Morehouse College.
Willie Mack III received this year’s Calvin Peete Foundation award for his distinction and
contribution to the game and world of golf. Mack currently holds 68 professional wins and is
the highest winning HBCU player of all time as a graduate of Bethune Cookman University.
“I’m honored to receive this award and knowing that this is a special year makes this event more
rewarding,” says Willie Mack III, “I will make sure to continue to carry the legacy of Calvin Peete
and represent the game with integrity and hard work.”
Mr. Warren “Project” Barge was thrilled and surprised to receive the 2021 Calvin Peete Legacy
Award for his 10-year tenure with the Calvin Peete Foundation, which he started with Calvin
Peete, “I am more than excited to be this year’s recipient of the Calvin Peete Legacy Award for
excellence in golf,” said Mr. Warren “Project Barge, “Calvin Peete was my friend and a pioneer.
It is my job to continue to show the young kids that we work with that the game of golf offers
more to life. If they are exposed to the game, they will learn valuable lessons in life, and we will
keep doing just that. If he or she knows better, he or she will do better, and this is why I love this
game.”
THE INAGURAL CALVIN PEETE COLLEGIATE CUP
The Calvin Peete Foundation and PGD Global introduced the Calvin Peete Collegiate Cup. This
was a deliberate change from its annual Celebrity Golf Tournament designed to shift the focus
towards collegiate players that represent and showcase the next generation of young golfers.
PGD Global and The Calvin Peete Foundation invited Morehouse College and Alabama State
University to compete in a first-of-its-kind format with a three-match series built on team
camaraderie and competition.
Alabama State University emerged victorious but maintained reverence towards their opponent
to uphold the purpose of the event. PGD Global and The Calvin Peete Foundation awarded each
school with a $5,000 check for the development of their respective golf programs.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
“We want to make sure that the future of the game hold the club in their hands while
intentionally pursuing the game on and off the course,” said Nisha Sadekar, Event Producer and
CEO of PGD Global. “Everything must evolve, people, places, events – and this was the most
honorable transition for Calvin Peete, Mr. Warren Barge and their 10-year commitment to the
foundation alongside their lifetime of passion and love for this wonderful game.”
DJ Spin, one of Atlanta’s most celebrated DJs, welcomed guests at Monday’s opening breakfast
ceremony with an upbeat mix of sounds from the 70’s to contemporary hits at the “Taylormade
Turn Up” DJ Booth powered by Southern Company. Official hosts Seema Sadekar, President of
PGD Global and NBA Legend and TV Announcer Steve Smith welcomed guests with opening
remarks that included introductions of the key attendees that made the event possible.
Mr. Warren “Project” Barge, Co-founder of the Calvin Peete Foundation graciously accepted the
Calvin Peete 10-Year Legacy & Commitment Award. Mr. Barge conceptualized the Foundation’s
mission with Calvin Peete while traveling on the PGA TOUR together.
Willie Mack III’s engaging clinic included a demonstration of his capabilities with long drives
that showcased his range and control. He invited spectators to come up for a closer view of his
stance and challenged collegiate players to a long drive. He spoke about the importance of
healthy competition and explained how golf can create stronger relationships between
teammates and competitive teams.
SOPOD, the Southern Company Podcast interviewed Willie Mack III, Warren “Project” Barge,
Coach Quincy Heard, Alabama State University and Coach Willie, Morehouse College. The
interview covered incites about the event and the personal journeys that propelled them
towards the game of golf. Southern Company’s continued dedication to the game of golf and
HBCU schools cross aligned at this special event, the podcast will air on the SOPOD network,
please visit, listen and subscribe:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sopod/id1487681557?mt=2&app=podcast
Sponsor Morgan Stanley provided messaging and resources to emphasize its commitment to
the Foundation’s mission and HBCU personal growth. Financial literacy was a talking point
during the event, with HBCU taking note of the importance of responsibility and planning.
PGA REACH was in attendance to honor their commitment to golf growth through the lens of
diversity, equality and inclusion. Calvin Peete continues to be a heroic person of recognition to
create an example for future minority golfers to continue the path of golf on and off the course.
The 2020 Calvin Peete Award Winners included:
The Calvin Peete Award | Jerome Bettis, NFL Hall of Fame and Atlanta Native
The Jr. Calvin Peete Award | Ms. Ariel Collins, US Lids Jr. Girls World Champion and Atlanta Native
Past Calvin Peete Award Recipients Include:
2019 Calvin Peete Award | Harold Varner III, PGA TOUR
2018 Calvin Peete Award | Cameron Champ, PGA TOUR
Make A Contribution:
The Calvin Peete Foundation supports local organizations that encourage golf progression by providing access to golf for young African American prodigies and youth scholarships for
education and golf for various young men pursuing their golf dreams. For those who would still
like to support, please visit http://www.calvinpeetefoundation.org to make a tax-deductible
contribution.
ABOUT THE CALVIN PEETE FOUNDATION
The Calvin Peete Foundation was formed to support the legacy of professional golfer and
legend, Calvin Peete. Peete’s passion in life was golf, and as his wonderful career came to a
close, he continued to grow and acknowledge diversity and inclusion within the game. Calvin
Peete was a man who paved the way in the world of golf for African Americans and removed
boundaries and stigmas that the game was closed to those who were less fortunate. Peete set
a standard of achievement in a world where African Americans were unaccepted and his ability
to excel and push through the challenges at the highest level in golf, the PGA TOUR, is
acknowledged and lives on through leadership and youth development through The Calvin
Peete Foundation.
ABOUT PGD GLOBAL AND THE “PROJECT FAIRWAY” MOVEMENT
Play Golf Designs, Inc. (PGD Global) is the future of golf entertainment meets golf entry. An
innovative golf-focused firm, directing and producing luxury events and content for some of the
world’s most legendary athletes, brands, entertainers and organizations including BET
Networks, Coach Mike Woodson, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Jalen Rose, Willie Mack III, The Calvin
Peete Foundation, Toyota, Diageo and MGM Resorts International. PGD creates the most
innovative golf tournaments and experiences with a focus on elevating and celebrating diversity
and inclusion within the game. In 2020 PGD Global announced “Project Fairway”, a movement
dedicated to growing the game of golf for young girls and women by connecting them with golf
through lifestyle and wellness. PGD Global operates golf-lifestyle events and experiences all
around the country, welcoming new golfers and businesses to the game with creativity, purpose
and inspiration. More info: http://pgdglobal.com
ABOUT TOYOTA
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years and
is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and
directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design,
engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing
plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that is scheduled to begin production in 2021.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota
launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and
chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free
STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
ABOUT SOUTHERN COMPANY
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers
through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy
through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four
states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a
leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and
telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer
service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a
century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy
resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas,
renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading
commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries
develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive
growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve
at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our
corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department
of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women’s Choice
Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com
ABOUT PGA WORKS
PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded
by PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS
leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate
Championship to inspire and engage talent from all backgrounds to pursue key employment
positions across the golf industry. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org/PGAWORKS,
follow @PGAWORKS on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
ABOUT PGA REACH
PGA Foundation, Inc. d/b/a PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of
America. The mission of PGA REACH is to impact lives through golf. For more information, visit
PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter and find us on Facebook
