PALM HARBOR, FL – The United Golfers Association (UGA) proudly announces the resounding success of the UGA Invitational presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and its historic 100th anniversary celebration, held at the prestigious Innisbrook Resort. This landmark event brought together an elite field of competitors, distinguished guests, and valued corporate partners, reaffirming UGA’s unwavering commitment to advancing diversity in golf.
A highlight of the tournament was the participation of 70 of the top Black junior golfers from across the United States and Jamaica, along with 14 collegiate golfers and 7 professional tour players. In an extraordinary show of support, none of the competitors were required to pay the standard registration fee—an investment that typically ranges between $600 to $750 per player. This initiative was made possible through the generosity of UGA supporters, corporate sponsors, and donors who believe in providing equitable opportunities for the next generation of golf talent.
Among the weekend’s standout performances, Zoe Slaughter emerged victorious in the professional tour division, capturing first place and earning a $5,000 prize from the $10,000 purse. Her triumph underscores the importance of continued investment in Black women’s professional golf, ensuring that top talent has the necessary resources to compete at the highest levels.
Beyond the competition, the event served as a powerful platform for critical discussions about the future of diversity in golf. A compelling fireside chat, moderated by UGA Executive Director, Tarek DeLavallade, featured Cedric Lockhart of Cisco Systems and renowned philanthropist and speaker Dondré Whitfield. The conversation addressed systemic challenges in the sport, actionable solutions to support young Black golfers, and the collective responsibility of the golf community to foster equity and inclusion.
“The UGA Invitational and our 100th anniversary celebration showcased everything we stand for—excellence, opportunity, and community,” said Tarek DeLavallade, Executive Director of UGA. “This weekend was more than a tournament; it was a statement that access and equity in golf must continue to be a priority. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, partners, and everyone who made this possible.”
A Special Thank You to Our Partners
The United Golfers Association extends its deepest gratitude to the partners who made this milestone event possible, including:
- Coca-Cola Beverages Florida (Presenting Sponsor)
- Cisco
- AARP
- Wayfarer Foundation
- Swag Bags
- USGA
- The Copperheads
- Redvanly
- Swing Juice
With the momentum from this historic event, UGA remains steadfast in its mission to create a sustainable pipeline for Black golfers, from junior levels to the professional tour.
For more information about the United Golfers Association and how to support its initiatives, visit UnitedGolfersAssociation.org.
