A Celebration of Heritage and Brotherhood
The National Negro Golf Association is marking a significant milestone with its 60th anniversary, bringing together golf enthusiasts from across the country for a multi-day tournament at the Wescott Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. This event, hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter, has drawn over 90 members who have traveled from cities such as Atlanta, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Washington D.C. to participate in a weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, and shared memories.
The tournament kicked off on July 17 and concluded with a banquet on the final day. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, varying in age and skill levels, but united by a common passion for the sport. For many, this gathering is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and celebrate their shared heritage.
Kenneth Jeffries, the tournament director for the Philadelphia chapter, highlighted the significance of choosing Charleston as the host city. He emphasized the rich African American history, culture, cuisine, and Black excellence that make the area a meaningful location for the association. “The rich African American history, culture, cuisine and Black excellence around here have made it an easy choice for us,” Jeffries said. “That’s why we chose Charleston. We’re fortunate enough to find a beautiful spot like the Wescott Plantation to host us. They couldn’t have been nicer.”
The group, one of the oldest African American golf organizations in the country, was founded in 1965 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Since then, it has expanded to include over 200 members across seven chapters. Guerra Benberry, national vice president and president of the Philadelphia chapter, described the organization as a true brotherhood. “This is our 60th year in existence and hopefully we’re looking for 60 more,” he said.
Beyond the tournament, the association is deeply committed to giving back to the community through youth empowerment initiatives. The group has supported several African American professional golfers in advancing their careers, helping to create opportunities for the next generation of players.
Recent data from the National Golf Foundation indicates that 25 percent of Americans who played golf on a course in 2024 were Black, Asian, or Hispanic. The association sees its events as a way to showcase the presence and passion of African American golfers in the sport. “It’s an opportunity for us to kind of showcase the fact that, you know, hey, we do play,” Jeffries said. “You know, we may not be great. We may not be on tour, but there’s a huge population of African American golfers that love the game and love the sport.”
Bo Turocy, head golf professional at the golf club at Wescott Plantation, played a key role in guiding participants throughout the event. He described the tournament as one of the largest and most impactful events the club has ever hosted. Turocy noted how the members formed strong bonds during the weekend. “You can tell they’ve all been friends for a long time and these individuals have embraced me and my staff together to be as one with them,” he said.
Looking ahead, the next national tournament is scheduled for the spring of next year. As the National Negro Golf Association continues to grow and thrive, it remains a powerful symbol of unity, tradition, and the enduring love for the game of golf.
