About the african american golf expo and forum

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Since its inception in 2021, the EXPO has directly and indirectly served about 6,000 people in the 5 cities where the EXPO has been held with an economic impact of $2.5 million. This includes in attendees, speakers and exhibitors. Over 1,000 adults and youth have participated in the Expo Golf clinics and over 100 companies have exhibited at the EXPO during that time 

In 2025, the EXPO was held in conjunction with the PGA Show and over the years many sessions were recorded and can be seen on You Tube. The EXPO has also helped to foster new ideas and initiatives some of which are shown below. Many ideas have their beginnings at the EXPO.

Some of the EXPO direct and indirect successes are reflected in the following statements:

• Grassroots leaders have met with many Industry Leaders
• Several grassroots leaders have visited Pinehurst ,NC to meet with Golf Pride CEO, Jamie Ledford and tour the Golf Pride facilities
• The Charlotte Country Club hosted 260 youth from the Detroit based Midnight Golf Program as a part of their Road Trip For Success college tour program
• Club Car held a Black History Month promotion
• Invited Clubs CEO, David Pillsbury led a session at the first EXPO
• Golf Pride CEO, Jamie Ledford has been a panelist at the EXPO
• Carl Jackson, famed Caddie from Augusta and Caddie to Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw
• Rhett Evans, CEO of Golf Course Superintendents of America has given the keynote address at the EXPO
• Jay Karen CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association has chaired a session at the EXPO
• The National Association of Black Golf Merchandisers, the first trade group for entrepreneurs and business owners marketing to the golf industry was formed
• The EXPO helped start and support The HBCU Golf Consortium which resulted in a strategic alliance between the White House Initiatives on HBCUs, the U.S. Golf Industry and 10 HBCU’s designed to increase opportunities for HBCU students through the Business of Golf, Research, & Career engagement.
• Presented several forums on adaptive golf
• Fostered relationships with national groups and associations such as, AJGA, GCSAA, NGCOA, Make Golf Your Thing, Black College Golf Coaches Association
• Supported the Larry Powell scholarship instituted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
• The idea and subsequent funding for the Make Golf Your Thing, Grassroots Grants Program was established 
• The National Golf Player Development Foundation was established as inspired by the EXPO
• Enabled several African American businesses to exhibit at the PGA Show as a result of the “Share Your Story” campaign run in conjunction and cooperation with Reed Exhibitions
• Received Proclamations of Support from the Palm Beach County Commission and the Orlando Mayor’s office
• The EXPO has provided constant and consistent national exposure for community organizations, program leaders and small businesses through press releases, the African American Golfers Digest, and the Golf Wire. This includes groups such as Pro Duffers, Midnight Golf, Women In Golf, Preston Pinkney Foundation, Golf My Future My Game, National Golf Player Development Foundation and I Am a Golfer Foundation.
• The EXPO annually recognizes those who have contributed to growing inclusion in the game and the business of Golf through the Jerry Tarde Courage Award. Legendary golf industry leaders like, Tim Finchem, Jim Awtrey and Steve Mona have been honored at the EXPO and their stories shared with communities. 
• The EXPO has helped golf industry leaders gain trust from community leaders and vice versa
• Community organization leaders routinely share that the exposure from the EXPO has helped to further their respective cause.
• The EXPO has encouraged and helped people find jobs and careers in the Golf Industry

Quotes from Community and Business Leaders

It has been an honor for Greenwood GOLF to participate in the African American Golf EXPO! The EXPO is a perfect platform for Greenwood GOLF to continue building community, learn industry insights, and fostering relationships that will uplift and inspire golfers for years to come. Looking forward to seeing the positive impact it makes! 

Chris Word, CEO, Greenwood Golf, Charlotte, NC

"The African American Golf EXPO and Forum provided Bucka Fogey Sports with the exposure, access, and platform we needed to amplify our brand and mission. This powerful event connected us with a community that, like us, values authenticity, resilience, and growth. It wasn’t just about business, it was about being seen, heard, and uplifted. We all we got."

Dr. Al B. Quarles, Jr., President, Bucka Fogey Sports LLC, Houston, TX

Mr. Beatty,

I am honored to leave a statement for you.

First I want to salute you good brother for all of your successful initiatives related to growing the golf community especially for the black community. I'm honored to be your friend and golf templar during this mission. 

Here is my statement about the golf expo: The African American Golf EXPO has been an invaluable opportunity for The Pinkney Foundation, providing exposure and support for our mission of teaching life skills through golf. This event fosters a nationwide community of golfers while offering direct access to PGA of America executives and industry leaders, strengthening key relationships.

Preston Pinkney ,Cofounder Executive Director ,The Pinkney Foundation ,Oakland, CA

"It's been unbelievably inspiring to see what Jim Beatty and his team have been able to do for the African-American golf community via their focused efforts and the creation of the AAGE.  Jim's highly appreciated work and unrelenting, honest style truly gets things done.  Through the AAGE he helps to shine a spotlight on the advances that have been made as well as the challenges still to be overcome as we all work to grow the game of golf and make it more accessible."

Chuck Walker, Executive Director, I AM a Golfer Foundation & Southwest Showcase at Cedar Crest, Dallas, TX

The African American Golf EXPO has provided an immeasurable opportunity to connect and do business with other golf industry business professionals, some I probably would never have met outside of this event because of our geographic disparity. I look forward to this event every year. 

Ashaunta A. Epps CEO/Founder, A Perfect Swing, Inc., Charlotte, NC

Jim,

I just want to commend you on stepping out and forming this EXPO. It has opened the eyes of the golf establishment and let them know that we too are a viable part of this 102 billion dollar golf industry.

Please know that I am behind you in all you do. I have to work hard to keep the doors open on what my parents established over 75 years ago.

Keep up the outstanding work and thanks for all you are doing to give many a voice.

Renee Powell, Owner Clearview Golf Course, LPGA Professional, East Canton, OH

Jim, it’s been an honor to partner and support the African American Golf EXPO.  Your leadership and dedication in advocating for the game and business of golf to be more diverse is unyielding!  It’s been a pressure getting to know you and witnessing the EXPO’s growth and impact!  I look forward to continued growth and success for years to come!  

With respect,

John Haigler Chair,  Pro-Duffers National Foundation, Washington DC

The African American Golf EXPO has shown the demand for minorities of all ages to learn golf and also be involved with the business of golf. A huge part of the next chapter in the golf industry will be the growth of African American golfers and leaders in the industry. 

Kelly McCammon Founder Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation Co-Founder 365GOLF Solutions, Nashville, TN

The African American Golf EXPO and Forum has been highly successful for two main reasons. First, it brought much needed attention to the gap between where golf is currently with diversity and where we need to be. Second, it created a community of industry leaders who now support each other in many ways.  

Cathy Harbin, Owner - Pine Ridge Golf Course and Co-Founder 365GOLF, Paris, TX

I have attended the African American Golf EXPO and Forum with several of my friends from Connecticut and each of us found the experience joyful and informative. We were able to make several new connections and renew old ones. The Expo highlighted Black entrepreneurs in the Golf industry and inspired me to create a particular focus on the golf world within the Opus organization, including the development of our Youth Golf Mentor Program. Thanks Jim for all that you do!

Ron Everett, Executive Director, Opus Organization, Stratford, CT

The EXPO was very impactful for my organization with the introduction to the golf world that provided opportunities to network with golf resort managers, chefs and buyers    

Kevin Shirley, American Soul Brothers, Co-Founder / Business Development, Atlanta ,GA

I am extremely happy that James R. Beatty has started the African American Golf EXPO & Forum. Over the last five years, it has indeed opened the eyes of thousands of persons - young and old  - especially minorities as to their possibilities and opportunities in the golf industry. Let’s keep it going!

Malachi Knowles, M.R.C.P, Founder & President, African American Golfers Museum & Inner-City Youth Clubhouse , Riviera Beach, FL

I first attended the African American Golf EXPO and Forum in 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. I am President of the Jackson Park Golf Association (Chicago, IL) and our organization was invited to set up a table at the EXPO for attendees to learn more about our organization. Participating in the EXPO was a wonderful experience because it afforded me the opportunity to transact with vendors and meet others in the golf realm trying to grow exposure and opportunities for minorities.  This growth is as a player and/or as a career path, which is what our organization instills in youth helping them look at golf the same way they are drawn to other sports (i.e., basketball, soccer, football, baseball).

I'm thankful for the EXPO and Mr. Beatty's efforts for the past five years providing a platform for underrepresented businesses and organizations to grow their networks and support one another. 

James Baldwin: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." A reflection on the courage needed to address challenges together.

THANK YOU JIM BEATTY and JAMES BALDWIN! Great minds thinking alike! 

Tracy Raoul, President/Chairwoman, Jackson Park Golf Association, Chicago, IL

I am Arnett Gill, Owner of Design Apparel.

We are an apparel company specializing in screen printing, embroidery, sublimation and much more. Our participation in the African American Golf Expo and Forum has been outstanding, eventful and exciting. We look forward to participating at future events and meeting new customers.

Arnett Gill, Owner, Design Apparel, Nashville, TN

When I joined Golf World and Golf Digest magazines as a staffer in the early 1990s, DEI was just taking root in the golf industry. A symposium brought industry leaders and influencers like Earl Woods, Bill Dickey and John Merchant together for the task of growing the game among minorities. Significant gains were made because of their efforts and the emergence of Tiger Woods as a global superstar. Today, businessman/advocate, James Beatty has taken the reins in a very difficult environment for DEI and made strides through the annual African American Golf EXPO and Forum held each of the past five years. The event has encouraged this old golf scribe to remain hopeful that eventually the winds of change will blow through the industry making room for new ideas and more diverse contributions to the overall health of the game. Thank you, Mr. Beatty.

Pete McDaniel, Best-selling Author/Historian, Atlanta, GA

The African American Golfer's Expo is impactful in a number of ways.  To start, your vision to directly identify and connect the entire golf ecosystem with the African American community via an exposition to spotlight business, grow the game, and foster networking opportunities answers the call that many have been independently trying to solve for years.  Providing a centralized collection of ideas and resource harvesting the Expo year over year continues to grow as the game grows.  

The shifting of the African American Golfer's Expo to operate alongside the PGA Show provides an elevated platform to continue connecting the attendees to the larger golf ecosystem, along with the access for attendees to expand their reach directly to a growing market of commerce.  The message that is sent to attendees of BOTH events that the marketplace matters and is recognized will without question create growth for all involved. Jim, your commitment to growing the game, and making meaningful connections across the golf landscape was of personal significance to me as a sports writer to obtain the face time with industry executives to get the opportunity to apply my voice in national publications.

It goes without saying that a huge debt of gratitude is owed to you for establishing the African American Golfer's Expo, and your efforts going forward are commended to continue building the event.