Jim Thorpe Invitational Invites the Top Minority Junior and Professional Golfers

Historic Golf Event that will honor Jim Thorpe by inviting the top minority juniors and professional tour players from across the US, Caribbean, and UK to compete in a 36-hole golf tournament in Orlando, Fla. 

(Orlando, Fla.) – The United Golfers Association (UGA) announced today the inaugural Jim Thorpe Invitational(JTI) in Orlando, Florida. This special event is set to take place the weekend of February 25 - 27, 2022 on the National and International Courses at Omni ChampionsGate Golf Resort and Club. The Jim Thorpe Invitational will invite the nation’s top minority junior golfers from the ages of 8 through 18 and many of the talented Jim Thorpe Invitational Orlando, Fla., January 20, 2022 – The United Golfers Association (UGA) announced today the inaugural Professional Tour Players in opportunity to compete in this inaugural event.

“I am so honored that the UGA has chosen to partner with me to create this commemorative event that will shine a light on these young people who work tirelessly to achieve what took me 50 years to accomplish. This event will not only bear my name, but also create a golf experience like no-other for minority golfers and the supporters who also want to see change in the sport of golf,” says Jim Thorpe. “I am also excited to have Justin Blazer and Michael Chappell serve as Tournament Directors for the Junior and the Professional Events for the JTI. These young men are good at what they do and can’t wait see them create something special for the tournament.”

This event will offer more than simply 36 holes of golf and a trophy for the juniors and professionals, but more of a feeling of a golf community coming together to encourage growth and development. This robust networking and panel experience will provide juniors, parents and professionals an immersive opportunity to discuss along with absorb including trusted advice and learned experiences from industry professionals, current and former college & tour players, college coaches, parents of successful golfers, as well as, golf legends who will share their priceless memories on and off the course.

UGA’s Executive Director, Tarek DeLavallade shared “Jim Thorpe is a legend in the game of golf and loved by all for his smile, spirit and that signature finish of his golf swing. It is our honor to plan the Jim Thorpe Invitational for him and create a legacy that will align with his dreams of leveling the playing field for minority golfers of all ages. At the UGA, our commitment is to increase the introduction, development, and advancement of minority golfers into the sport, so that they can be two steps closer to having access to the same resources their counterparts have to ensure their success on and off the fairways,” said Tarek DeLavallade.

The UGA and its industry partners are committed to changing the face of golf. An effort that United Golfers Association, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that was founded in 1925 as the primary organization for golfers of color. The proceeds of the event will fund an Elite Golf Academy for minority golfers in Central Florida with private and group golf lessons with nationally recognized teaching professionals including Mr. Jim Thorpe. All of our instruction programs feature highly personalized attention to your unique needs and skill level, and include video swing analysis, comprehensive instruction manuals, and a written game plan for improvement.

To learn more about the event visit www.jimthorpeinvitational.com and to find out more ways to increase diversity in the sport of golf and support the mission of the United Golfers Association, visit www.unitedgolfersassociation.org.