Tampa, FL – February – The United Golfers Association (UGA) is excited to announce the centennial celebration of its historic legacy with the inaugural UGA Invitational presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida at Innisbrook Resort in Tampa from February 14-16, 2025. This landmark event will honor the rich history of the National Championships, which ran from 1926 to 1976, and mark the beginning of a new era of opportunities for aspiring golfers.
Formerly known as the Jim Thorpe Invitational, the newly named UGA Invitational will feature two exciting competitions: the UGA Invitational for juniors and the Legacy Cup for HBCU players. The event will showcase rising stars and provide them with life-changing opportunities, including player development grants for winners in the junior divisions. The UGA Invitational will also honor the legendary Black golfers who paved the way for future generations, including Ted Rhodes, Lee Elder, Renee Powell, Charlie Sifford, Ann Gregory, Althea Gibson, Jim Dent, and James Black who honed their skills on the UGA circuit. The event will also include special tributes and posthumous awards for past trailblazers.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 100 years of the UGA’s legacy with this historic event,” said Tarek DeLavallade, Executive Director of the UGA. “Our passion and dedication to preserving and promoting the rich history of Black golf have driven us to create an unforgettable experience that will inspire and empower the next generation of golfers.”
Percy Wells of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Coca-Cola Beverages Florida is honored to support the UGA Invitational and contribute to celebrating Black history during Black History Month. This event is a testament to the enduring legacy of the UGA and its pivotal role in shaping the landscape of golf.”
The UGA Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, promises to be a celebration filled with excitement and inspiration. Join us as we honor the past, embrace the present, and build a brighter future for Black golf.
About United Golfers Association
The mission of the UGA is to foster an inclusive culture for Black golfers and contribute to the evolution of the sport by offering limitless resources and opportunities for the youth, golf professionals, tour players, and golf enthusiasts. United Golfers Association (UGA) [Founded in 1925] is a 501(c)3 organization that is committed to increasing the introduction, development and advancement of African American youth to the sport of golf. The UGA Developmental Golf Academy will provide these golfers with the resources and direction to cultivate their passion for the sport as competitors and professionals in the industry. The UGA Golf Academy is designed to prepare them mentally, physically and professionally to compete as Future Tour Players and Golf Professionals throughout the world. www.unitedgolfersassociation.org
About Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) is a family-owned Coca-Cola bottler. Coke Florida has an exclusive sales and distribution territory that covers over 21 million consumers across 47 Florida counties, and includes the major metropolitan markets of Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The company manufactures, sells, distributes, and merchandises over 600 products of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies. Coke Florida is the third largest privately held and the sixth largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Coke Florida was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. To learn more about Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, visit www.cocacolaflorida.com.
