On May 10th, the Morgan State University Foundation will host its annual golf tournament at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City in conjunction with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. For over 30 years, this event has been a staple within the Morgan community.
An annual who’s who event, in terms of Maryland area business leaders and entrepreneurs, that raises money for Morgan State student-athletes and programs.
There are several ways to participate in this year’s event: you can register as a golfer or sponsor, you can create a virtual golf cart and ask family and friends to donate or bid on items through a silent auction.
Business pioneer Herb Brown was influential in bringing Morgan State to the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City. At the time, resources were minimal for Black people who wanted to learn the game of golf in the 1970s. Brown often relied on public-funded golf courses that were not comparable to county club standards.
However, Brown was fortunate enough to forge a relationship with fellow entrepreneur Nick Mangione who purchased the Turf Valley Resort in the late 70s. As a result of their relationship, Brown exposed other African Americans to the county club lifestyle by hosting golf tournaments at Turf Valley.
After eight years of hosting the event, Morgan State athletics became a focal point for Brown and the tournament.
Along with Baltimore Municipal Golf Corporation cohort and former Professional golfer Charles M. Thomas, Brown partnered with Morgan’s Head of Advancement, Mary Robinson, to create the first annual Morgan State University Foundation Golf Tournament in 1989.
Today, the Golf Tournament is still run by an all-volunteer committee, including the MSU Foundation and Morgan State Athletics personnel.
This year, the committee has a goal of $50,000 to support Morgan State’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Support includes donations from professional golfers, corporate sponsors, alumni, athletic supporters and other Morgan State University enthusiasts.
Morgan and Turf Valley will enforce COVID-19 safety protocols.
For list of safety measures, click here.