2026 UGA Invitational
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UGA Invitational
Join Us for the 2026 UGA Invitational — A Centennial Celebration of Legacy and Impact (formerly the Jim Thorpe Invitational)
The stage is set for a historic moment in Central Florida. The 2026 UGA Invitational will soon unveil its location, continuing its tradition as a premier event dedicated to empowering minority junior golfers across North America and the Caribbean. Hosted at the iconic Innisbrook Resort, this 36-hole signature tournament will bring together elite junior and collegiate athletes alongside professionals, sponsors, and community leaders for a transformative experience.
2025: A Year of Growth and Groundbreaking Impact This past year marked a pivotal chapter for the United Golfers Association and the Sapphire Golf Tour. Together, we expanded our reach, deepened our commitment to equity, and elevated the voices of young athletes through strategic partnerships and community-driven programming. From Tampa to Toronto, our mission resonated with organizations championing youth, STEM/STEAM, and cultural excellence.
What to Expect in 2026
Up to 90 of the most talented junior and collegiate golfers from across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean
A dynamic Pro-Am Event, pairing emerging athletes with leaders from corporate, philanthropic, and community sectors
A Historical Celebration honoring the UGA’s 100th Anniversary — the oldest golf association for African Americans
Lifetime Achievement Awards, Community Upliftment Honors, Scholarships, Grants, and more
National media coverage, live interviews, podcasts, and features in top-tier publications and sports blogs
Why It Matters The UGA Invitational is more than a tournament — it’s a movement. It celebrates the legacy of our founders while paving pathways for the next generation of minority golfers. It’s where championship golf meets cultural excellence, and where business, entertainment, sports, and technology leaders unite to invest in the future.
Be part of this milestone moment. Join us in Central Florida for the 2026 UGA Invitational and help shape a legacy of opportunity, excellence, and equity in golf.
Division Winners and Runner-up Finishers
Boys 16-18
- 1st Dre Whitfield
- 2nd Duncan Reid
Girls 16-18
- 1st Hayden Price
- 2nd Morgan Rodriguez
Boys 13-15
- 1st Patrick Pinkney
- 2nd David Cochran
Girls 13-15
- 1st Zara Staley
- 2nd Sarah-mari Ramson
Boys 10-12
- 1st Tyler Lambert
- 2nd Coby Jenkins
Girls 10-12
- 1st Chloe Magwe
- 2nd So'lei Latimer
Girls 9U
- 1st Kennedy Lange
Women
- 1st Zoe Slaughter
UGA Invitational
The Invitational’s Junior Division provides a prestigious platform for 80 elite minority junior golfers to showcase their talent in a challenging 36-hole stroke play tournament. It features age-specific divisions, ensuring fair competition.
- 9 & Under: Plays 9 holes each day (18-hole total).
- 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18: Plays 18 holes each day (36-hole total).
This tournament serves as a stepping stone for aspiring minority golfers, offering them exposure and experience at a high level of competition.
The Legacy Cup
Two Teams | Two Days | One Course | One Legacy Cup
In an inaugural event, two collegiate teams, each led by a team captain who selects their players through a rigorous process, will compete in a joint Women’s & Men’s Match Play Golf event. 24 of the nation’s top minority collegiate athletes will battle for the honor of hoisting the 2025 Legacy Cup competing on the infamous Copperhead Golf Course at Innisbrook Resort and Spa in Greater Tampa, Florida.
Sapphire Golf Tour
20 Women | Two Days | 1 Trophy
There will be one BIG winner in the women’s professional tour division