The Morehouse College Golf Team recently participated in the Eastside Golf Community Day in Augusta, Georgia. This event, held in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and The Augusta Municipal Golf Course, provided an opportunity for the team to not only showcase their golfing skills but also to give back to the local community in a meaningful way.
The focal point of the event was the involvement of local youth in golf lessons facilitated by the Morehouse and Paine College golfers. Hornsby Middle School students were given the chance to learn the fundamentals of golf from collegiate players, fostering a sense of mentorship and inspiration among the young participants. As Captain of the Morehouse College Golf Team, Kip Banks Jr. '27 emphasized the importance of representation in the sport, stating, "Seeing someone that looks like them breaks the stigma around who plays golf."
The community day itself was a vibrant affair, with people of all ages coming together to enjoy music, food from local food trucks, and a round of golf at the renowned Augusta Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as "The Patch." The event not only provided entertainment but also served as a platform for promoting inclusivity and diversity within the golfing community.
The significance of this event was further underscored by recent developments regarding the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. With Augusta Technical College and the City announcing a long-term lease agreement, there is renewed optimism about the future of the course as a hub for affordable golfing and community engagement. Mayor Garnett Johnson expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining accessibility and affordability for all golf enthusiasts.
A special thanks must be extended to Earl Cooper '11 and Olajuwon Ajanaku '12, the co-founders of Eastside Golf, for orchestrating such an incredible event. Their vision and dedication to promoting inclusivity and community engagement within the world of golf have truly made a lasting impact.
For the Morehouse College Golf Team, participating in events like the Eastside Golf Community Day is about more than just playing golf—it's about making a positive impact and fostering a culture of inclusiveness within the sport.