October 30, 2021 | By Darcus Greene
Life Together, Inc. is a nonprofit that serves the Mid-South Tri-State (Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi) area and in particular, Memphis, Tennessee. Children and youth, seniors, the formerly incarcerated, and the socially disadvantaged have benefitted from Life Together programs for more than a quarter century.
The First Annual Life Together Stakeholders Open was held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at North Creek Golf Club, Southaven, MS. The vision of Bishop David Allen Hall, Executive Director of Life Together, is to develop the Stakeholders Open into a satellite tournament for budding PGA hopefuls. Over 100 persons, including local and out-of-state golfers, volunteers, and supporters participated in this event.
Acclaimed as one of the signature charitable events for Life Together, Inc., this inaugural golf tournament seeks to shine a light upon the “old timers” who were denied the right to play professional golf because of their race. During the tournament, the names of local African American amateur golfers were displayed at each tee box to commemorate and celebrate their excellence in the sport, their stellar support in the community, and their undeniable love for the game. In addition, signs were posted throughout the course to acknowledge the companies, organizations, and individuals who helped to sponsor this event.
The day began with the Opening Ceremony featuring remarks from Life Together Staff and Board Members. To further christen the tournament, Stan Jackson, professional flute player shared a musical rendition. The day concluded with lunch, sponsored by Chick-fil-A, and the Awards Ceremony.
Individual golfers received awards for five contests: chipping, putting, closest to the pin, men’s long drive, and women’s long drive. First and Second Flight trophies were awarded to six teams for first, second, and third place.
Winner – Putting Contest
The apex of the 2021 Stakeholders Open was the presentation of the Greg Odom Sr. Award. Life Together, Inc. named its amateur golfer award in honor and in memory of Odom, a prototypical African American Amateur Golfer of Excellence. The distinction for this inaugural award was presented to Polk McCray, a five-time City of Memphis Public Links Champion and an inductee of the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame.
Many golfers stated that they look forward to next year’s Stakeholders Open.
