The tournament will feature a mix of experienced and up-and-coming golfers from the United States and abroad.

The UGA Invitational: A Celebration of Golf and Community

The UGA Invitational is more than just a golf tournament – it’s an event that brings together golf enthusiasts, sponsors, and community members to celebrate the game of golf and the values it represents. The tournament is a testament to the power of golf to unite people from diverse backgrounds and promote a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The History of the UGA Invitational

The UGA Invitational has a rich history that dates back to the early 2000s. The tournament was founded by the United Golfers Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting golf and providing opportunities for golfers of all skill levels. Over the years, the tournament has grown in popularity and has become a premier event on the golf calendar.

The Tournament Format

The UGA Invitational will feature a mix of experienced and up-and-coming golfers from the United States and abroad. The tournament will be played over three days, with each day featuring a different format. On the first day, the players will compete in a stroke play format, with the top 20 players advancing to the second day. On the second day, the players will compete in a match play format, with the winners advancing to the final day. The final day will feature a single-elimination match play format, with the winner being crowned the champion.

The Course and Amenities

The UGA Invitational will be held at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. The resort features 12 championship golf courses, including the famous Copperhead Course, which has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments.

The event will also feature a tribute to the 1925 founding members of the organization.

The Origins of the Centennial Invitational

The Centennial Invitational is a prestigious golf tournament that has been a cornerstone of the golfing community for over 90 years. Founded in 1925 by a group of African American golfers, the organization has a rich history that is deeply rooted in the struggles and triumphs of Black golfers.

The Founding Members

The Centennial Invitational was established by a group of visionary golfers who were determined to create a platform for Black golfers to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. These founding members were trailblazers in every sense of the word, breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo in the golfing world. The first Centennial Invitational was held in 1925, and it was a groundbreaking event that marked the beginning of a new era in golf. The event was initially called the “African American Golfers’ Invitational” and was designed to provide a platform for Black golfers to compete against each other.

He was introduced to the University of Georgia’s golf team, the Bulldogs, and met with the team’s head coach, Chris Hoke. The meeting was arranged by UGA’s athletic director, Mark Fox, who had been following Ty’ DeLavallade’s work and was impressed by his commitment to diversity and inclusion in golf. DeLavallade was invited to speak to the team about his experiences as a black golfer and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sport.

A New Era of Golf Diversity

Ty’ DeLavallade’s visit to UGA marked the beginning of a new era in golf diversity. The meeting with the team’s head coach, Chris Hoke, was the first step in building a more inclusive and diverse golf program.

The History of Coca-Cola’s HBCU Sponsorship

Coca-Cola has a long history of supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The company’s commitment to HBCUs dates back to the 1980s, when it first began partnering with these institutions to provide scholarships and other forms of support.

Early Years: Coca-Cola’s First HBCU Partnership

In 1985, Coca-Cola partnered with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to provide scholarships to students. This partnership marked the beginning of Coca-Cola’s involvement with HBCUs. The partnership was a significant milestone in Coca-Cola’s commitment to HBCUs, as it demonstrated the company’s willingness to invest in the education and development of African American students.