(l-r) Tony Shellman, Eric Holifield of Delta Airlines with OTGC tournament winner Wyatt Worthington II, OTGC Founder Wendell Haskins and Julian Hill of New York Wins, share the spotlight.
(Hamburg, NJ—July 25, 2018) The 19th Annual Original Tee Golf Classic presented by BMW of North America, LLC and held on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at The Wild Turkey Golf Club in Hamburg, New Jersey, was a huge success. Over 200 friends and supporters of the tournament enjoyed a full day of activities, including a competition of African American professional players competing for a $20k purse.
Showing off their best smiles (l-r) Melvin Roane, Louis, Kevin Hall, Anthony Anderson, Wendell Haskins, Wyatt Walker II, and Christian Heavens
The Classic was supported by the likes of Anthony Spikes of Sapphire Hill Global, David Jones of CastleOak Securities and Jeff Champ (father of Cameron Champ). Also supporting the tournament were Wyatt Worthington II, Kevin Hall, Christian Heavens, Louis Kelly, Miko Page, Earl Cooper (PGA), Anthony Stepney (PGA) and Randy Taylor (PGA).
Anthony Spikes (left), Managing Principal and CEO of Sapphire Hill Global Partners with retired NBA shooting guard John Starks.
The winner of the professional tournament on the par 71 Wild Turkey course was Wyatt Worthington II with a three-day total of 215, taking home $16,000 of the 80% purse. The professional tournament scores were Wyatt Worthington +2 (215), Kevin Hall +6 (219) walking away with $2,000 (10%), Christian Heavens +7 (220) winning $1,000 (5%), and Louis Kelly +10 (223), winning $1,000 (5%).
BMW Group’s Kevin Williams, Head of BMW Group Multicultural Marketing, North America and Anthony Anderson.
The event kicked off Saturday night with a welcome reception where guests got to view two of the latest BMW sports cars, mingle with other guests and enjoy an intense game of Jenga with the 2018 OTGC honoree, Emmy nominated actor and comedian Anthony Anderson.
Golf Pro Troy Mullins and Chepe Beltranen
On Sunday, OTGC corporate sponsor BMW provided test drives for all participants in a full fleet of models including the 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series and the all-new BMW X3. BMW also sponsored the longest drive competition for amateur players and provided a lease on a BMW 5 Series for a hole-in-one.
Anthony Anderson and former NFL San Francisco 49ers Earl Cooper stand with youth during the awards presentation.
EXPOSE CHILDREN OF COLOR TO THE GAME
Created to celebrate both the history and contributions of African Americans in golf, this year’s OTGC presented by BMW of North America also raised funds for The Bridge Golf Foundation in Harlem, which is committed to using the game of golf to improve life outcomes for young men of color in Harlem, New York.
BLACK PRO’s COMPETE FOR $20K PURSE
Golf Pro Kevin Hall tees off while observed by guests and spectators.
This year OTGC presented by BMW and OTGC founder Wendell J. Haskins honored Anthony Anderson with The True Original Award at OTGC Award’s Dinner held at the conclusion of the tournament. Anderson was honored for his many accomplishments in entertainment, his commitment to his community and for being a great ambassador for the game of golf.
Anthony Anderson with Renee Neufville of the famed R&B group Zhané.
“I am honored to stand before OTGC in today’s tournament. I don’t take this award lightly; I take OTGC as my family” said Anderson. “There is no more special feeling than being recognized by my community; I have learned a lot about myself and learned values, such as honesty and integrity, through the game of golf that I have implored in my life on and off the golf course. This award and OTGC mean so much to me and I am truly humbled by this honor.
BMW Group Kevin Williams (l) and Anthony Anderson
OTGC and CELEBRITIES PAY HOMAGE TO AFRICAN GOLF PIONEER
“OTGC brings camaraderie and fun with one common goal in mind, to expose and nurture diverse participation in the game and business of golf,” said Mallory Crossland, Senior Producer, PGA of America.”
Otis Stuart (2nd from right), Chief Diversity Officer at the NBA, with Teddy Pendergrass (far right) and members of their foursome Len Faulkner and George Jones.
Anthony Anderson accepts the OTGC True Original Award from Wendell Haskins
“It’s the responsibility of all us to bring this game of golf to the forefront and the OTGC, under the leadership of Wendell, does a fantastic job bringing all communities together to understand this great game, to help us grow and instill values in our lives” said Kenyatta Ramsey, Senior Director, Tournament Business Affairs – PGA TOUR Champions.
Wendell Haskins and Golf Pro Troy Mullens
OTGC 2018 sponsors included BMW of North America, National Basketball Association (NBA), Tanqueray 10, Ciroc, Coca-Cola, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Delta Airlines, Perry Ellis International, PGA TOUR and Under Armour.
(l-r) Sean Thompson readies for tee-off with record executive and co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment Kevin Liles
The Original Tee, Inc. was founded by Wendell J. Haskins – formerly the Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Sports & Entertainment at PGA of America — with a vision of paying homage to African American pioneers in the sport of golf. The company name was inspired by Dr. George F. Grant, the African American inventor of the golf tee. Original Tee’s core objectives are preservation of the game of golf, educating on the history of minorities in golf, celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans in golf and instructing and developing a pipeline of new golf enthusiasts – especially youth.
