Charleston, S.C. – The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is pleased to announce its involvement in the first African American Golf Expo & Forum (AAGE&F). The event, scheduled for February 2021 at the Marietta Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, seeks to “promote the game, the business, the industry, the careers and the opportunities in golf to African Americans” and other communities currently underrepresented in the sport. It will feature sessions on topics ranging from golf programs at historically black colleges and universities to supplier diversity opportunities as well as 20,000 square feet of exhibition space reserved for minority-owned/focused businesses and organizations.
NGCOA is sponsoring and will present educational programming related to golf course ownership. “We’re excited that NGCOA came on as our first sponsor, and we look forward to NGCOA playing a dual role in our first Expo & Forum,” said Jim Beatty, founder of AAGE&F, president of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, executive editor of the African American Golfer’s Digest and chairman of the WE ARE GOLF Diversity Task Force Recreational and Competitive Play Committee. “Our attendees will greatly benefit from NGCOA’s business expertise and guidance. We want to increase the ownership of golf courses and other venues among African Americans and NGCOA will help achieve that goal.”
This new partnership not only puts NGCOA in a better position to help the business of golf — especially as it relates to supporting currently underrepresented populations in golf with revenue-positive course ownership — it is also a tangible demonstration of the organization’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive sport. “In order to see real progress in the business of golf,” said NGCOA CEO Jay Karen, “industry stakeholders need to walk down many paths together. This sponsorship and education-sharing allows us to take a significant step, but rest assured it is only one of many ahead. I look forward to collaborating with Jim and with my fellow industry allied organizations on helping improve the business we love.”
To underscore its aim to drive diversity, equity and inclusion activities that serve the business of golf, NGCOA has also developed a Diversity & Inclusion Center on its website. Golf course owners and operators will find information on minority-owned and/or -focused businesses, organizations, publications and programs as well as resources for building and maintaining a healthy culture of inclusivity in their own organizations.
For more information about the AAGE&F, please visit aagolfexpo.com.
