Africa University golf tourney set for September

BLYTHEWOOD—Registration is going on now for an Africa University Golf Outing, set for Monday, Sept. 26, at Cobblestone Golf Course.

The tournament will raise funds for student scholarships at Africa University, which is the first fully accredited United Methodist-related educational institution on the African continent. AU opened in March 1992 with 40 students from six African countries. Currently, there are 1,480 full-time students enrolled representing 25 African countries. The vast majority of AU’s 5,000 alumni are first-generation college graduates. Many are orphans and the children of pastors, farm workers, teachers, nurses and others whose incomes are barely enough to provide for their families’ basic needs.

Registration for the golf tournament begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Cost is $100 and includes entry into all events, 18 holes of golf, riding cart, snacks, lunch, dinner and various awards.

There will be a maximum of 35 teams, and the format is four-person captain’s choice. The tournament will feature two longest-drive contests, two closest-to-the-pin challenges and door prizes.

Tournament organizers, led by tournament director Ronald D. Friday along with the Rev. John Culp and James Salley, said attending AU costs around $5,700 a year and seems relatively inexpensive by American standards. Yet very few African students can afford to pay the fees on their own. About 90 percent of the students enrolled at AU are receiving some form of assistance with their fees. The scholarships this tournament supports will ensure these students can continue their education and have a successful future.

Sponsorships are also available: Patron $50, Bronze $100, Silver $300, Gold $500 and Co-Sponsor $1,000. These will support not only scholarships but also health services at AU, as well as care for orphaned children and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

To pre-register or for more information: 803-210-6103.