The 25th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic (OTGC) was a remarkable celebration, bringing together golf enthusiasts, sponsors, and notable honorees to mark this milestone event. Returning True Original honorees, including Beverly Johnson, Anthony Anderson, and Alonzo Mourning, added a touch of prestige and excitement to the festivities. Friends, family, longtime supporters, and new patrons all gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of the OTGC.
Crystal Spring Golf Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey was an enchanting venue where the event began on Saturday, July 20, as guests enjoyed an Invitation Only Cocktails event at the resort’s world-renowned Wine Cellar of Restaurant Latour, holders of some of the world’s best wine collections. Afterward a private dinner and welcome party ensued.
On Sunday, guests experienced a warm welcome and camaraderie at the Starter Tent of the first hole before the tournament, receiving an exclusive swag bag filled with goodies and light appetizers provided by Crystal Springs Golf Resort. Specialty cocktails crafted by Tito’s Handmade Vodka added to the festive atmosphere. The evening featured a private honoree welcome dinner with sponsors, offering fine dining and networking. This dinner, sponsored by Crystal Springs Resort included specialty cocktails and gifts from sponsors like Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses.
A one-day amateur tournament featured a competitive element, allowing three elite-level players to compete for a predetermined purse. The USGA supported the event with volunteer officials, and PGA professionals were invited to participate its execution. Gavin Parker, lead instructor for the youth experience supported by Puma, guided the young participants through their golf activities.
The amateur tournament included 144 players on the Wild Turkey golf course in a two-person team match play format, 40 players on the Crystal Springs course in an individual stroke play format, a skins game, 27 youth participants on the Cascades course, and 50 spectator guests. The competition was fierce, with 72 winners emerging on Wild Turkey and one overall champion on Crystal Springs.
Delta Airlines provided flights for returning honorees and special guests, while PepsiCo supplied soft drinks and snacks throughout the day. Sysco, a major food source provider for the Crystal Springs Resort, sponsored the event. Discover Boating added a unique touch with a boat display at the Sky Pavilion Hospitality Tent. Puma provided 200 backpacks for the tournament’s participants, each containing an OTGC tee, a Puma/OTGC co-branded golf shirt and hat, Puma Free Golf Shoe Certificates, NBA Ballers Capsules, a custom OTGC pin, a ball marker, Pro V1 and Pro V1X golf balls, and a Titleist/OTGC co-branded hat.
Notable competitors included Travon Willis (Virginia Union University), Everett Whiten (Howard University), and Ashley Shaw (15 years old, Litchfield Park, AZ). The event concluded with a spectacular Sunday Awards Dinner, celebrating 25 years of OTGC. True original honorees and sponsors were recognized, and tributes were paid to late OTGC family members and patrons. Guests received awards and prizes for their participation, making the event a memorable conclusion to the weekend’s festivities. Match winners received trophies modeled after George F. Grant’s original wooden golf tee.
Club Car contributed significantly, providing a golf cart for auction and one for the Skins game. Charley Levy from California won the golf cart prize in the Skins game, while Leander LeSure from Atlanta successfully bid on a golf cart during the auction. The OTGC Sky Pavilion Hospitality Tent was the hub of entertainment, music, food, and cocktails throughout the event. It hosted Saturday’s Welcome Party and a slew of activations on Sunday. Highlights included the OTGC Pop-Up Shop featuring Original Tee apparel, Ainsley’s art display, Puma’s Fitting Station, and a Club Car display.
Below: images of the George F. Grand replica golf tee awards.
Reflecting on the event, Haskins remarked, “It was great to celebrate the 25-year milestone of the Original Tee Golf Classic and the 125-year anniversary of George F. Grant’s invention of the golf tee. As we look back on the past 25 years, we are reminded of the countless lives that have been touched and transformed through the charitable endeavors supported by the Original Tee Golf Classic. From providing educational opportunities for underserved youth to supporting vital community initiatives, this event has been a beacon of hope and positivity in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.”
Haskins further expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am immensely grateful to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey – from the sponsors and volunteers to the participants and supporters. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to making a difference have been the driving force behind the success of the Original Tee Golf Classic, and I am honored to have been able to share this journey with each and every one of you.”
Overall, the 25th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic was a resounding success, celebrating its rich history and profound impact while looking forward to many more years of making a positive difference in the community.
View the Original Tee Golf Classic Sizzle Video HERE.
